Two of Claude Lemieux's children have publicly shared their private thoughts following the tragic death of their father. The four-time Stanley Cup champion died by suicide early Thursday morning at his furniture store in Lake Park, Florida.
Brendan Lemieux's Tribute
Brendan Lemieux, a 30-year-old forward for HC Davos in the Swiss National League, took to Instagram on Friday to express his grief. "I love you dad!" he wrote. "My son's favourite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you," he added, concluding with a heart emoji.
Brendan played parts of seven NHL seasons, totaling 307 games with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, and Philadelphia Flyers. He spent three seasons with the Rangers, appearing in 109 games.
Claudia Lemieux's Emotional Message
Claudia Lemieux also shared her devastation on Instagram. "No words to express the level of devastation we feel," she wrote. "I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl."
Details of the Incident
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Lemieux's family became worried when he did not return home. They went to check on him at Andros Home, the furniture store he owned with his wife, just after 3 a.m. Thursday, where they found him deceased.
Lemieux, born in Buckingham, Quebec, was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL draft. He made his NHL debut on October 13, 1983, against the Boston Bruins and scored his first goal on December 4, 1983, in a 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
Earlier this week, Lemieux was in Montreal for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes. He participated in the pre-game ceremony, carrying the torch into the Bell Centre.
Family and Legacy
Lemieux, 60, is survived by four children: Brendan, Claudia, Michael, and Christopher, the latter two from his first marriage. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the hockey community and beyond.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
