Claude Lemieux’s brain will be donated to Boston University’s CTE Center to research the long-term effects of brain injuries, his family said in a statement Saturday.
“In the hope the Claude’s life can continue to help others, the family has chosen to donate his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury,” the statement, which was posted on Brendan Lemieux’s Instagram account, read.
The family also said they are permitting the CTE Center to publicly publish any potential findings with Lemieux’s name.
“Claude dedicated his post-playing career to helping the next generation,” the family said in reference to Lemieux’s career as an agent after his playing days. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”
They added that no one should come to any conclusions about Lemieux based on a diagnosis.
“The family emphasizes that this is a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers.”
Lemieux died by suicide at 60 years old on Thursday in the back of a warehouse of a family-owned furniture store in Lake Park, Fla.
Authorities confirmed on Friday that the four-time Stanley Cup winner hanged himself and was found by one of this sons.
“As a member of the Concussion & CTE Foundation Board of Directors, we are dedicated to research, treatment and finding a cure to CTE,” hockey agent Allan Walsh wrote in a social media post. “Thank you for this gift and helping make a difference in people’s lives.”
A close family friend previously told The Post that, despite being depressed leading up to his suicide, Lemieux’s family had no idea that he planned to take his own life.
“They didn’t expect that at all, they never saw it coming” Colombe Lacroix told The Post. “He’s been going through a difficult time. He was depressed.”
Lemieux was in the NHL for 21 seasons, spending time with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars, and Sharks.
“Today is 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,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement Thursday. “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.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
