Claude Lemieux’s – Claudia Lemieux, daughter of late NHL legend Claude Lemieux, posted on Instagram June 16 that she still “doesn’t have the words” after his death by suicide on May 28 in Florida at age 60. Her tribute came with a childhood photo and a note about missing him “fo
When Claudia Lemieux wrote, “Almost three weeks without you,” she wasn’t trying to soften the impact—she was laying it bare. On Tuesday, June 16, the 29-year-old posted the message on Instagram, adding, “I still don’t have the words. It doesn’t feel real.”
Claudia went on: “I would give anything to have the chance to go back and tell you how much I love you. I miss you. Forever and always your only girl🪽.” She paired the note with a childhood photo of herself sitting on her father’s lap.
Claude Lemieux died by suicide, a medical examiner determined, on May 28 in Florida at age 60. Over a 21-season NHL career, he won four Stanley Cup championships and retired in 2009, remembered as one of the most celebrated playoff performers of all time.
In addition to Claudia, Claude is survived by his wife, Deborah, and sons Michael, Christopher, and Brendan. Two days after his death. the family released a statement describing him as “more than a hero. ” writing that he was “loving. loyal. funny. protective and generous. ” and that he was “stubborn” and devoted to the people he loved.
The family also acknowledged that Claude had died by suicide, saying they would donate his brain to CTE research. They wrote that Claude “dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation. ” and that by connecting his name to the research. they hoped his life could contribute to “greater understanding. more honest conversations. and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”.
They asked for care in how the loss is discussed, adding: “Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who lost him.”
Before Claude’s death. he appeared as a torch bearer for the Montreal Canadiens—one of his former teams—before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. May 25. Earlier in the month. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman honored Claude. along with late Minnesota Wild reporter Jessi Pierce. before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Bettman said in a press conference. “Claude Lemieux was one of the greatest big time game performers in the history of hockey. ” and added that the Stanley Cup Final was where he “shined the brightest.” He continued. “His flame extinguished far too soon last week. We are terribly saddened and we mourn his passing.”.
For Claudia, the dates on the calendar still haven’t made the loss easier. Her Instagram post on June 16 reads like the earliest stages of grief—quiet, raw, and determined to say exactly what she can’t fully process yet.
Claude Lemieux Claudia Lemieux NHL Stanley Cup daughter tribute suicide death CTE research Montreal Canadiens Carolina Hurricanes Gary Bettman
That’s so heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine losing a parent like that.
Wait he died by suicide but they’re donating his brain to CTE research? So like… CTE caused it? Not sure how I feel about all that honestly.
I saw the headline and thought he passed away in a car crash or something, so this is just wild. But if the medical examiner said suicide, then it’s just different. The “doesn’t feel real” part is exactly how people describe grief, like your brain doesn’t catch up.
NHL guys always get beat up and then everyone acts shocked when something mental happens. CTE or not, the league should’ve done more. Also the family statement said donate his brain for CTE and I’m like… did they say that right away or was it after people started asking? Anyway praying for his daughter, this is brutal.