Former Montreal Canadiens forward Claude Lemieux died early Thursday morning in Florida by suicide, according to TMZ. He was 60 years old.
Details of the Incident
According to TMZ, Lemieux was found at the family furniture business in Lake Park, Florida, by his adult son around 3 a.m. after the family became concerned that he had not returned home. His body was located in a rear warehouse. Lemieux and his wife reportedly own the business, which is situated about 130 kilometers north of Miami.
Career Highlights
Lemieux was known for his feisty and abrasive style of play on the ice. He won the Stanley Cup four times: with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, the New Jersey Devils in 1995, the Colorado Avalanche in 1996, and again with the Devils in 2000. During the 1996 playoffs, he earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP after the Avalanche swept the Florida Panthers in four games.
Over 21 NHL seasons, Lemieux also played for the Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks. He was selected by the Canadiens as the 26th overall pick in the 1983 NHL draft and made his debut on October 13, 1983, against the Boston Bruins.
Recent Appearance
Lemieux was in Montreal on Monday to carry the torch for the Canadiens prior to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Career Statistics
Lemieux finished his regular-season career with 379 goals, 407 assists, and 786 points. In 234 career postseason games, he recorded 80 goals and 158 points. His final game was on April 19, 2009, in a playoff matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, which the Sharks lost in six games.
Survivors
Lemieux is survived by his wife Deborah and their four children.
