Claude Lemieux's daughter has opened up about the family's 'devastation' following the hockey legend's death at 60. The four-time Stanley Cup champion, one of the most controversial players in hockey history, died by suicide in the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to authorities, deputies responded just after 3 a.m. to the scene of an apparent suicide at the family's furniture store in Lake Park, Florida. Reports on Friday claimed Lemieux was found in a warehouse by one of his sons, having hanged himself.
News of the 60-year-old's death sparked an outpouring of sadness, with President Donald Trump among those paying tribute to a 'true legend' of hockey. Many of Lemieux's family have also released statements in the wake of his death.
Family Tributes
His daughter Claudia wrote on social media: 'No words to express the level of devastation we feel. I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl.' Her husband, Hunter Bishop, added: 'Rest in peace to a truly amazing man. Words can't even begin to describe how much you meant to everyone. Love you big man.'
Lemieux's son Brendan, who played seven seasons in the NHL, posted a picture of three generations of the Lemieux family, writing: 'I love you dad! My son's favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you.' Another son, Christopher, said: 'Sometimes life has a brutal way of reminding you to appreciate what you have before it becomes a memory... I'll miss you dad.'
Career and Legacy
The former winger is survived by his wife Deborah and his four children: Claudia, 29, and sons Christopher, 37, Michael, 34, and Brendan, 30. It is unclear which of his sons found him on Thursday morning.
According to WPBF, Lemieux was discovered in a rear warehouse belonging to furniture company Andros Home, which was owned by Claude and his wife Deborah. Andros Home wrote in an Instagram post: 'With profound sadness we share news of the unexpected passing of our co-founder Claude Lemieux. Claude was an extraordinary presence whose vision, generosity and big heart shaped not only Andros, but the many relationships and lives around him.'
Lemieux's sudden passing comes just three days after he served as the ceremonial 'torch bearer' for the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre before their Eastern Conference Final Game 3 matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The native of Buckingham, Quebec, won four titles in a career that spanned from 1983 to 2009. His 80 playoff goals are ninth in NHL history, and his 234 playoff games are sixth. He was a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the most controversial players in history, amassing 1,777 career penalty minutes across 1,215 regular season games. He may be best remembered for a devastating hit on Detroit Red Wings star Kris Draper that sparked a blood feud between Detroit and the Colorado Avalanche.
NHL Statement
'The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history,' read a statement from Commissioner Gary Bettman. 'Lemieux forged his postseason reputation and won the Cup for the first time as a rookie in 1986... We send our deepest condolences to Claude's wife, Deborah, and his four children, Brendan, Claudia, Michael and Christopher.'
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
