Claude Lemieux family releases statement and shares new details about his tragic passing.

The hockey world was floored last week when news broke that long time former National Hockey League player Claude Lemieux, who had since become a player agent who represented several players currently active in the NHL, had taken his own life.

It is unfortunately a tale that hockey fans have become all too accustomed to in recent years with many suspecting that Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) has played a major role in the untimely deaths of several beloved former NHL players.

Claude Lemieux's Family Issues a Statement

On Saturday we got what I consider to be the first indication that CTE may have been a factor in Claude Lemieux's ultimately death when his family released a lengthy statement following his passing. While the Lemieux family cautioned against jumping to any conclusions based on this decision, the family revealed that his brain would be donated to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center and that the findings of that research will be made public.

Here is the Lemieux families' statement unedited and in full:

The family of Claude Lemieux, with profound sadness, issued the following statement today following his death on May 28, 2026.
Claude was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and teammate. To the hockey world, he was one of the game's most unforgettable competitors: a four-time Stanley Cup champion, a Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and one of the great playoff performers of all time. To his family, he was more than a hero: he was loving, loyal, funny, protective, and generous. He was stubborn, and he was completely devoted to the people he loved. He was adored by his family in turn.

"Claude was a passionate man," the Lemieux family said. "He brought that passion to the rink, to his work, to his friendships, and most of all to his family. He was fierce on the ice because he cared so deeply about winning, about his teammates, and about never giving less than everything he had. Away from the game, he was tender, loyal and full of life. He made us laugh, he showed up for us, and he loved his children and grandchildren with his whole heart."

Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Claude built a hockey life defined by will, grit and courage. He won the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and 2000, and the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.

In 1995, he earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He was tough, and he was great. Nobody wanted to face him on the ice, and everybody wanted him on their team.

His family also remembers the man behind the sweater: the father and grandfather whose greatest joy was time with family, the friend who stayed loyal for life, and the competitor whose intensity was matched by the gentle warmth that all who had the honor of knowing him experienced.

In the hope that Claude's life can continue to help others, the family has chosen to donate his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury. 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 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 family said. "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."

The Lemieux family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from fans, former teammates, opponents, organizations and friends across the hockey community. The stories being shared of Claude's competitiveness, humor, loyalty and unmistakable presence have brought comfort during an unimaginably difficult time. The family asks only for continued prayers.

The family recognizes that there has been public reporting about the circumstances of Claude's death. Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who loved him. Anyone in crisis or emotional distress in the United States can call or text 988 for confidential support from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

This release is the only statement authorized by the Lemieux family at this time. The family has not authorized any person to speak publicly on its behalf. Any comments, accounts or information purporting to come from the family that are not contained in this release should be treated as unauthorized and unverified. The family has no additional comment at this time and respectfully asks for privacy as they grieve. Details regarding a memorial or celebration of life will be shared at a later date.

An Outpouring of Love

To suggest that the death of Claude Lemieux has rocked the hockey community to its core would truly be an understatement. In the days since his passing we have seen legend after legend of the sport make an effort to speak publicly and share their love of the man who has been taken from this world far too soon.

In an emotional tribute to his long time friend and teammate, legendary NHL goaltender Martin Brodeur joined the Hockey Night in Canada panel to share his thoughts on the devastating news. In a rare bright spot in all of this heartbreak, Brodeur highlighted the fact that love of Claude Lemieux had caused all the former Devils to reunite in a large group chat where they all could share their favorite memories of the man.

Even arguably Claude Lemieux's most bitter rival on the ice, Detroit Red Wings legend Darren McCarty, expressed his great sadness at the loss of a man he admits he had come to love off the ice.

This one is going to hurt for a long time. My most sincere condolences to anyone who is suffering as a result of this terrible tragedy.