Warning: This story incorporates discussion of suicide. Discretion is suggested. In case you or someone you recognize is struggling, help is offered. In Canada, call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline.
The hockey world is mourning the sudden death of former Montreal Canadien Claude Lemieux, as experts say his family’s decision to donate his brain to research could help advance understanding of a devastating disease.
Lemieux died by suicide in Florida last week, just days after appearing in Montreal, where he carried a ceremonial torch into the Bell Centre for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
His family has since chosen to donate his brain to Boston University’s CTE Center, contributing to ongoing research into the long-term effects of repeated head injuries.
“I used to be very appreciative that the Lemieux family selected to donate his brain, independent of how his life ended,” said Dr. Chris Nowinski, a former football player and skilled wrestler turned neuroscientist, writer and co-founder of the Concussion and CTE Foundation.
Claude Lemieux waves as he’s introduced during a ceremony to honor members from the 1996 Stanley Cup Championship team of the Colorado Avalanche before an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Denver.
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
“I used to be playing through them until I couldn’t anymore, until I did an excessive amount of damage to my brain,” Nowinski told Global News. “And I even have never quite been the exact same.”
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Lemieux played a physical style over a 21-year NHL profession that spanned nearly 1,500 games. It just isn’t known whether chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, contributed to his death.
The degenerative brain disease — which might only be diagnosed after death — has been present in several former hockey players, including Henri Richard, Chris Simon and Bob Probert.
Experts say repeated head trauma can result in a spread of symptoms, including memory loss and severe depression.
“They develop into so depressed and have so many symptoms, like they’ll’t remember what that they had for breakfast,” said Dr. Charles Tator, director of the Canadian Concussion Centre.
Former Montreal Canadiens player Claude Lemieux enters the sector throughout the pregame prior to first period of Game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference final Stanley Cup playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes, in Montreal, Monday, May 25, 2026.
Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press
There’s currently no cure or treatment that may slow or stop the disease.
Nowinski, a former athlete who retired after multiple concussions, said each brain donation is critical to advancing research.
“Each brain that’s donated is getting us closer to a cure while also giving us higher insights on how you can prevent this in the subsequent generation,” he said.
Tator says prevention stays key, recommending that body checking be banned for players under 18, arguing older athletes are higher equipped to guard themselves and make informed decisions.
He also noted athletes often resist safety measures.
“They’re about probably the most non-compliant group of individuals you may imagine,” Tator said.
Despite the tragedy, experts say Lemieux’s legacy may ultimately help protect future players.
In case you or someone you recognize is in crisis and wishes help, resources can be found. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.
For immediate mental health support, call 988. For a directory of support services in your area, visit the at suicideprevention.ca.