The family of Claude Lemieux hopes that, in his death, the former NHL great will be able to help the living.
In a statement posted by Claude’s son, former NHLer Brendan Lemieux, the late star’s family has decided to donate his brain towards research into Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is “a progressive, degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts.”
According to the statement, Lemieux’s brain will be donated to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center.
“The family has also given permission for the CTE Center to identify Claude by name in connection with his donation and any findings it may publicly share in accordance with its research protocols,” the statement read. “The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers. No conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.”
“Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation,” the statement continued. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations, and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”
In the statement, the family also shared a tribute to Claude, calling the 21-year NHL veteran one of the sport’s “most unforgettable competitors.”
What are the details of Claude Lemieux’s death?
Lemieux died Thursday morning in Florida by suicide.
“Lemieux was found at the family furniture business by his adult son around 3 a.m. after they became concerned that he hadn’t returned home,” TMZ reported. “The 21-year NHL vet was located in a rear warehouse.”
The cause of death was confirmed by the Montreal Gazette as well, which cited a media relations officer at the Palm Beach County sheriff’s office.
According to The Athletic, Lemieux and his wife reportedly owned a business in Lake Park, Fla., which is about 130 km north of Miami.
Lemieux was a former Conn Smythe winner
Lemieux, who was revered for his feisty and abrasive style of play on the ice, was 60 years old. He won the Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986, the New Jersey Devils in 1995, the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and the Devils again in 2000.
During the 1996 playoffs, he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP when the Colorado Avalanche swept the Florida Panthers in four games.
The Buckingham, Que., native was selected by the Canadiens as the 26th overall pick in the 1983 NHL draft. He made his NHL debut several months later, on Oct. 13, 1983, against the Boston Bruins.
He played a total of 21 seasons in the NHL and also suited up for the Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and the San Jose Sharks.
In his retirement, Lemieux found a calling as a player agent, representing the likes of Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen, Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Rasmus Andersson, Detroit Red Wings blue-liner Moritz Seider, and New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier, according to NHL.com.
Carried torch Monday at Habs game
Lemieux was in Montreal last Monday to carry the torch for the Canadiens prior to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
“It was such a treat to see what he did with the torch and then, next thing you know, he’s no longer part of life,” Green told the Gazette.
Lemieux finished his career with 379 goals, 407 assists and 786 points in the regular season. In 234 career post-season games, he scored 80 goals and had 158 points.
His last game was on April 19, 2009, in a playoff matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks lost the series in six games.
Lemieux is survived by his wife, Deborah and his four children.
— With Toronto Sun files