Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and NHL icon, has died by suicide at the age of 60. His daughter Claudia shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, saying 'No words to express the level of devastation we feel.'
Lemieux was found hanging at the family's furniture store in Lake Park, Florida, by one of his sons. He is survived by his wife Deborah and four children.
His son Brendan, also a former NHL player, paid tribute to his father, saying 'I love you dad! My son's favorite person is going to watch from above for a while.'
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remembered Lemieux as one of the sport's greatest postseason performers, saying 'The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history.'
Lemieux's career was defined by playoff success, with 379 goals, 407 assists, and 1,777 penalty minutes in 1,215 regular-season games. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. or visit 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support.
