Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of hockey’s most intense competitors, died by suicide early Thursday, May 28, at age 60. Authorities confirmed he was found in the warehouse of his family’s furniture store in Lake Park, Florida, around 3 a.m. His son Brendan Lemieux discovered his body, police said [1, 2].
The NHL Alumni Association announced Lemieux’s death on Thursday, May 28 or 29, 2026, after he was last publicly seen carrying the torch for the Montreal Canadiens before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final on Monday, May 26 [3, 4, 5, 6].
Lemieux played 1,215 NHL games over a 21-year career for six teams: the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks [4, 5, 2]. He won the Stanley Cup four times, first with Montreal in 1986, then with New Jersey in 1995 and Colorado in 1996. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the 1995 playoffs' MVP [3, 1, 5, 2].
Known for his aggressive and abrasive style, Lemieux’s hard-hitting play sparked intense rivalries. He was suspended for a notorious hit on Kris Draper in 1996 that inflamed tensions between Colorado and Detroit [3, 4, 5]. Former Red Wings player Darren McCarty called Lemieux "a pain in the a-- to play against, but you wanted him on your team," while also offering condolences and urging anyone struggling to seek help [3].
Lemieux scored memorable goals including a backhander in Game 7 of the 1986 second round that helped Montreal reach the Stanley Cup Finals [6]. He grew up in Mont-Laurier, Quebec, and after retiring from the NHL in 2009 became a player agent representing NHL talents such as Frederik Andersen [5, 2].
His family expressed grief over his death. Daughter Claudia Lemieux said, "No words to express the level of devastation we feel. I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl." Son Brendan Lemieux, who plays for Swiss club Davos HC, posted, "I love you dad! My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you." Canadiens owner Geoff Molson called him "a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player" who embodied the essence of Montreal hockey and mourned his passing alongside the hockey community [3, 6]. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman described Lemieux as "one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history" [3].
Lemieux is survived by his family including his son Brendan. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of his death. Memorials and tributes have poured in since the announcement.
Lemieux’s connection to the NHL remains visible with his son active in pro hockey. His death comes days after his public appearance at the Canadiens’ playoff game on May 26, a poignant final public moment [3, 4, 5, 6].
