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- Brendan’s public message and family details
- How and where Claude Lemieux was found
- A legendary NHL career and recent public appearance
- Reaction from the Canadiens and the NHL community
- Voices from Quebec and public leaders
- Work after playing: agent and client roster
- Brendan’s NHL background
- Support and mental health resources
Brendan Lemieux broke his silence on social media after his father, hockey legend Claude Lemieux, was found dead in Florida in an apparent suicide. The brief post mixed grief and a personal memory as family and the hockey world reacted to the shock.
Brendan’s public message and family details
On Thursday, Brendan, 30, shared an emotional note on Instagram along with a recent photo of three generations. In the post he wrote, “I love you dad!” and added that his young son will be watching from above.
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Claude Lemieux death: son Brendan breaks silence after NHL legend’s suicide, I love you dad
- Brendan is a former NHL forward who played seven seasons between 2017 and 2024.
- His son, Luc, was born in March 2025 and was mentioned in Brendan’s message.
- Claude is survived by his wife, Deborah, daughter Claudia, and sons Christopher and Michael.
How and where Claude Lemieux was found
Local reports say Claude Lemieux was discovered in a Florida warehouse in the early hours. Family members grew concerned when he did not return home and went to check on him.
The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed his death. The NHL Alumni Association had first issued a statement identifying the former player.
A legendary NHL career and recent public appearance
Lemieux built a long NHL résumé across 21 seasons and multiple franchises. He earned four Stanley Cup rings and was known for his competitive edge.
Notable teams and milestones
- Montreal Canadiens: a defining stretch in the 1980s.
- New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche: key stops where he won championships.
- Retired from pro hockey in 2009 after a two-decade career.
Just days before his death, Lemieux took part in the NHL playoffs festivities. He served as a torchbearer at Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Montreal on May 25.
Reaction from the Canadiens and the NHL community
The news sent ripples through the hockey world. Geoff Molson, owner of the Montreal Canadiens, called the day dark for the organization and offered deep condolences to the family.
The NHL released a statement asking for privacy for the Lemieux family and noting how beloved Claude was by those closest to him.
Voices from Quebec and public leaders
Quebec leaders also responded. Premier Christine Fréchette described the loss as profound and spoke of Lemieux’s place in the province’s sporting identity.
Her message referenced seeing him carry the torch at the Bell Centre just days earlier and extended sympathy to his loved ones.
Work after playing: agent and client roster
After retiring, Lemieux established himself as a sports agent. He represented several NHL players and remained active in the hockey business.
- Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings)
- Timo Meier (New Jersey Devils)
- Hampus Lindholm (Boston Bruins)
- Frederik Andersen (Carolina Hurricanes)
Brendan’s NHL background
Brendan Lemieux played in the NHL for several teams over seven seasons. His stops included:
- Winnipeg Jets
- New York Rangers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Carolina Hurricanes
Support and mental health resources
This news has renewed conversations about mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
