Former US President Donald Trump has paid tribute to NHL legend Claude Lemieux, who died at the age of 60. The cause of death was confirmed as suicide by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, with Lemieux found hanging in a warehouse by his son.
Trump described Lemieux as a 'true legend of the game' and a 'tremendous clutch performer' on his social media platform Truth Social. He also claimed, without evidence, that Lemieux was a 'tremendous Trump supporter', though reports from Newsweek and the Montreal Gazette indicate the hockey star was not politically active.
Lemieux enjoyed a 21-season NHL career, winning four Stanley Cups with three different teams: the Montreal Canadiens (1986), New Jersey Devils (1995, 2000), and Colorado Avalanche (1996). He also scored 80 career playoff goals, which Trump noted as among the 'all-time greats'.
Tributes have poured in from across the hockey world. Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said Lemieux 'embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player', while the NHL Alumni Association expressed devastation at the loss. Avalanche president Joe Sakic called him a 'champion in every way' and a 'loyal friend'.
Lemieux is survived by his wife Deborah, sons Christopher, Michael, and Brendan, and daughter Claudia. Brendan, a former NHL player now with HC Davos, shared a heartfelt Instagram post: 'I love you dad! My son's favourite person is going to watch from above for a while.'
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text MHA to 741741.
