Former NHL forward Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of hockey's most recognizable playoff performers, died by suicide at the age of 60, according to a report from TMZ Sports.
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Lemieux reportedly was found early in the morning at the family furniture business after relatives became concerned when he did not return home. TMZ reported that one of his adult sons discovered him in a rear warehouse area around 3 a.m.
Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Lemieux played 21 seasons in the NHL and built a reputation as one of the game's fiercest competitors. He played for the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks during a career that spanned more than two decades.
The Canadiens selected Lemieux in the second round of the 1983 NHL Draft. He won his first Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1986 before adding championships with the Devils in 1995 and the Avalanche in 1996 and 2000.
Lemieux earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during New Jersey's 1995 Stanley Cup run after scoring 13 postseason goals.
Over 234 playoff games, Lemieux scored 80 goals and became known for his physical, emotional style of play. He later transitioned into work as a player agent following his retirement from hockey.
Just days before his death, Lemieux appeared at Montreal's Bell Centre, carrying the ceremonial torch onto the ice before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens.
Lemieux is survived by his wife, Deborah, and their four children.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988 or visiting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
