Former NHL star Claude Lemieux has died by suicide at age 60, according to authorities, with his body discovered early Thursday at his family business in Lake Park, Florida. He was found after failing to return home, and his son located him around 3:32 a.m. Family members gathered in Florida as investigators confirmed the death and fans left flowers in his memory.
Lemieux was a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of hockey’s most intense playoff performers, winning titles with the Montreal Canadiens (1986) and the New Jersey Devils (1995, 2000, 2003). Over a 20-season NHL career, he played for several teams, scored 379 goals, and earned a reputation for clutch postseason performances, including the 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy.
After retirement, he remained active in hockey and business and was the father of NHL player Brendan Lemieux, who shared a public tribute.