The NHL world was rocked by the sudden death of hockey legend Claude Lemieux by apparent suicide at age 60.
“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 on Thursday, May 28.
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Bettman added, “Overall, his teams reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 15 straight seasons; his 234 postseason games played rank sixth in NHL history; and his 80 career Playoff goals rank ninth. In recent years, as a player agent, he has represented some of the top stars in the NHL. We send our deepest condolences to Claude’s wife, Deborah, and his four children, Brendan, Claudia, Michael and Christopher.”
As the tributes have poured in from the NHL and beyond, many have wondered if Claude was related to hockey legend Mario Lemieux. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Claude’s hockey relatives:
Claude Lemieux’s Daughter Claudia Breaks Her Silence Over NHL Star’s Death: ‘Forever Your Only Girl’
Claude Lemieux Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
No, Claude and Mario were not related, despite both being NHL legends.
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Who Was Claude Lemieux’s Wife?
Claude married his wife, Deborah Lemieux, in the mid-1990s. In a 2000 interview with The New York Times, Deborah recalled being intimidated by the pro athlete when they first met.
”He’s a big old bear,” she said. ”People think he’s so tough. But he’s so easygoing.”
Claude Lemieux’s Son Brendan Breaks Silence After NHL Legend’s Death by Suicide: ‘I Love You Dad’
Did Claude Lemieux Have Kids?
Claude and Deborah shared two children, Brendan and Claudia. Claude also shared sons Michael and Christopher with his first wife.
Bendan spent seven seasons in the NHL himself, splitting time between the Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes.
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Brendan broke his silence on his father’s death with a post via Instagram showing the pair on the ice with his toddler son, Luc.
“I love you dad!” he wrote in the caption. “My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you ♥️.”
How Did Claude Lemieux Die? NHL Star’s Official Cause of Death Confirmed
Claudia also addressed her dad’s death, sharing her thoughts via her Instagram Story.
“No words to express the level of devastation we feel,” she wrote. “I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl 💔.”
Her husband, baseball player Hunter Bishop, shared his thoughts via Instagram as well.
“Rest in peace to a truly amazing man,” he wrote. “Words can’t even begin to describe how much you meant to everyone. Love you big man 👼🏽.”