Claude Lemieux dies at 60, was 4-time Stanley Cup champion

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Hat tip, the CBS Evening TV news

Claude Lemieux dies at 60, was 4-time Stanley Cup champion

Clutch-performing forward won championships with Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche


© Matt Garies/NHLI

By Dave Stubbs
@davestubbs.bsky.social NHL.com Columnist
May 28, 2026

MONTREAL -- Claude Lemieux, a 21-season NHL veteran and four-time Stanley Cup winner, has died at the age of 60, the Montreal Canadiens announced Thursday.

He was in Montreal this week, serving as the Montreal Canadiens’ Bell Centre torchbearer on Monday for Game 3 of his former team’s Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, a 3-2 overtime win for the visitor.

The 60-year-old native of Buckingham, Quebec, and former forward won the Stanley Cup four times for his first three NHL teams: the Canadiens in 1986, the New Jersey Devils in 1995, the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and the Devils again in 2000.

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© Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

“Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community," team owner Geoff Molson said. "I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones. A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day.”

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[LisaM]

1. This is unbelievable.

Last edited Fri May 29, 2026, 02:40 AM - Edit history (1)

He was just at the game the other day. As a self-respecting Red Wings' fan, I have to say that he was the opponent we loved to hate.

He committed suicide, and I have to admit it shook me. The Red Wings' organization and Darren McCarty have both made very moving statements.

[Frasier Balzov]

2. I certainly hope he left a note explaining his decision.

Financial distress doesn't appear to have triggered it.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

4. very sad

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. This Bruin's fan remembers how much grief he gave Boston.

Sorry to read this.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. Just shocking

https://nypost.com/2026/05/29/sports/former-nhl-great-claude-lemieux-hanged-himself-as-tragic-new-details-emerge-authorities/

Former NHL great Claude Lemieux hanged himself as tragic new details emerge: authorities

Former NHL great Claude Lemieux hanged himself, authorities told The Post on Friday.

The body of the 60-year-old New Jersey Devils hockey legend and four-time Stanley Cup winner was found by one of his sons in the back of the warehouse of his family’s home-design business in Lake Park, Fla., at 3:32 a.m Thursday after he never returned home, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office statement.

His daughter, Claudia Lemieux, 28, told The Post that her heartbroken family had gathered in Palm Beach where the family lived and was “meeting with a detective” Friday morning.

Workers at the family business meanwhile hugged and cried at the site Friday as fans stopped by to pay their respects and leave flowers.

________________

I remember him, but was unaware he was such a big star, I didn't follow the sport so much after about 1990. 80 playoff goals, like 8th or 9th all time, 4 Stanley Cups.

RIP

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. Claude Lemieux's brain being donated for CTE research, family says

Claude Lemieux's brain being donated for CTE research, family says

Associated Press
May 30, 2026, 09:33 PM ET

Claude Lemieux's brain is being donated to the Boston University CTE Center to research the long-term effects of repetitive brain injuries, his family said Saturday in a statement released by daughter Claudia Lemieux Bishop.

Lemieux died by suicide at age 60 on Thursday, according to authorities, after earlier in the week serving as the Montreal Canadiens' torchbearer before a playoff game. He played nearly 1,500 NHL games with six teams from 1983 to 2009 and was known for his hard-hitting style and ability to perform in big games on the way to winning the Stanley Cup four times.

The family said it gave the CTE Center permission to publicly share any findings with Lemieux's name, adding that no conclusions should be drawn regarding any diagnosis.

"Claude dedicated his post-playing career to helping the next generation," the family said, referring to Lemieux becoming an agent. "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."