President Donald Trump reflected on his relationship with Claude Lemieux in a statement remembering the late NHL star on Thursday, May 28.
“Claude Lemieux, a true Legend of the Game, and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen, has passed away,” Trump, 79, wrote via Truth Social. “Claude was a friend to the family, and a tremendous ‘TRUMP’ supporter.”
Lemieux died by apparent suicide on Thursday at age 60, the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us Weekly. A 21-year NHL veteran, he was known for his intense style of play and was one of the most accomplished postseason performers in league history.
He won four Stanley Cup titles and retired from professional hockey in 2009 with 80 career playoff goals — good for ninth-most all-time. Lemieux is also one of only 11 players to win a championship with at least three teams.
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He is survived by his wife, Deborah, daughter Claudia, and sons Brendan, Christopher and Michael.
“Brendan, my thoughts are with you, Deborah, and the whole Lemieux family,” Trump wrote. “You and your Dad were Warriors on the Ice. Claude will be missed by all who love Winning and Toughness.”
Brendan — who played seven seasons in the NHL — broke his silence on Thursday via Instagram, posting a photo with his late father and his 14-month-old son, Luc, on the ice at a hockey game.
“I love you dad!” Brendan, 30, wrote in the caption. “My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you ♥️.”
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Trump wasn’t the only politician to express his condolences to Lemieux’s family. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette added a tribute of her own..
“Claude Lemieux, he was my generation,” she wrote via X. “A striking figure in our hockey, a player with heart in his belly. His death seems so sudden, just a few days after seeing him proudly carry the torch at the Bell Centre. My thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Lemieux played for six NHL franchises throughout his career, breaking in with the Montreal Canadiens, where he spent his first six seasons.
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“Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement.
“I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones,” he continued. “A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day.”
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