NHL legend Claude Lemieux was found dead at age 60 on May 28, 2026.
The legendary hockey star’s death came just three days after he made an emotional appearance at Game 3 of the NHL’s Eastern Conference Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes in Montreal on Monday, May 25, to act as a torchbearer. (Lemieux played for the Canadiens between 1983 and 1990.)
“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,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement at the time.
Lemieux — who played for 21 seasons in the NHL between 1983 and 2009 — is survived by his wife, Deborah, daughter Claudia, and sons Brendan, Christopher and Michael.
Claude’s son Brendan was the first member of the Lemieux family to break their silence over the athlete’s shocking death, writing via Instagram, “I love you dad! My son [Luc’s] favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you ♥️.”
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Keep scrolling for more information about Lemieux’s death and reaction from the sports world.
When Did Claude Lemieux Die?
A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson confirmed to Us Weekly that Lemieux was found dead at Andros Home showroom in the 200 block of North Congress Avenue in Lake Park, Florida, on May 28, 2026, at 3:23 a.m. ET.
While he hailed from Buckingham, Quebec, Lemieux spent the final years of his life living in West Palm Beach, Florida.
How Did Claude Lemieux Die?
Per the medical examiner, Lemieux was found dead by suicide at age 60 in “the rear warehouse by his son.”
“The business was secured for evidence preservation/investigation by VCD Homicide,” a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson confirmed. “The victim is believed to be Claude Lemieux.”
As of publication, it is not known which of Lemieux’s three sons found him dead.
The Sports World Mourned Claude Lemieux Following His Death
Lemieux’s death was particularly shocking in his native Canada, where he was regarded as a national icon and sports hero. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette described Lemieux’s death as “a great loss” for his home province.
“Claude Lemieux, he was my generation. A striking figure in our hockey, a player with heart in his belly,” Fréchette wrote via X. “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, the Tricolore, and the entire hockey family.”
In the sports world, Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson referred to May 28, 2026, as “a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community.”
“I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones,” Molson went on. “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.”
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis took time to honor Lemieux at his team’s daily press conference, remembering him as “a hard-nosed player.”
“I played against Claude. You had to fight for every inch on the ice with him,” St. Louis recalled. “He was competing hard, always towed the line. He was a hard player to play against.”
The New Jersey Devils — whom Lemieux played for from 1990 to 1995 and again from 1999 to 2000 — offered a solemn reaction to “the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux.”
“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to,” a Devils statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”
Colorado Avalanche president Joe Sakic said he was “devastated to learn of Claude’s passing.” (Lemieux played for the Avalanche on and off between 1995 and 1999.)
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“’Pepe’ was a terrific hockey player, a fierce competitor and a champion in every way. He was also a loyal friend who would do anything for his teammates and someone you could always count on,” Sakic said in a statement. “Most importantly he was a wonderful family man and there is nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandchildren. Today is a very sad day for the Avalanche family and Claude will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. … Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.”
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