NHL Legend Claude Lemieux Dies at 60, Family Donates Brain for CTE Research

The family of NHL legend Claude Lemieux has issued a statement confirming that his brain will be donated for medical research, asking the media and the public to approach his passing with "compassion and respect." The four-time Stanley Cup champion died on May 28, 2026, at a family-owned furniture showroom warehouse in Florida at the age of 60. His son, Brendan Lemieux—a 2014 NHL draft pick in the second round—shared the statement on social media.

In the statement, the Lemieux family acknowledged that "the issue of suicide is very complex" and that details surrounding Claude Lemieux's death have drawn widespread attention. They urged others to discuss the tragedy with "care, compassion, and respect," especially for those who loved him. Lemieux's brain tissue will be sent to research institutions to help scientists better understand the causes of neurodegenerative diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)—a reason many former NHL players' families have chosen to donate brains in recent years.

Claude Lemieux played 18 seasons in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup four times with the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche. He was known for his tough, physical style of play. Following news of his death, current and former NHL players expressed their condolences. The decision to donate his brain not only provides valuable samples for research but also brings renewed public attention to the link between repeated head impacts in professional hockey and neurological health. May he rest in peace.