Claude Lemieux's Family to Contribute His Brain to CTE Research at Boston University

The family of former NHL star Claude Lemieux has announced their intention to donate his brain to the Boston University CTE Center, following his passing on Thursday at the age of 60. Lemieux, celebrated for his four Stanley Cup victories and a lengthy career spanning 27 seasons, will have his brain included in research efforts focusing on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other brain injuries linked to repetitive head trauma.

The announcement was made via a statement shared on the Instagram account of his son, Brendan Lemieux, who is also a former NHL player. The family clarified that Claude Lemieux has not received a posthumous diagnosis of CTE. "This decision is a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers," they stated, urging that no assumptions should be drawn regarding any medical diagnosis at this time.

In their statement, the Lemieux family also granted the CTE Center permission to publicly use Claude's name when sharing findings related to the donation. They addressed media reports concerning the circumstances surrounding his death, which The Athletic reported may be considered a suicide by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, although further details have not been disclosed.

The family emphasized the complexity of suicide and requested that discussions about Claude’s death be approached with "care, compassion, and respect." They also provided resources for the United States Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) to support those in need.

Boston University’s CTE Center is recognized as a leading institution investigating the impacts of repetitive head injuries on athletes, military personnel, and first responders, with over 1,700 brains donated for study, including more than 800 that have been diagnosed with CTE.