Donald Trump Hails Claude Lemieux As “True Legend” Following Ex-NHL Star’s Passing at 60

Claude Lemieux was found dead in a warehouse in Florida, with reports claiming that he took his own life.

Donald Trump Hails Claude Lemieux As “True Legend” Following Ex-NHL Star’s Passing at 60

Donald Trump and Claude Lemieux (Image via LA Times/Fox News)

In Short
  • Claude Lemieux, a 4-time Stanley Cup champion, passed away at the age of 60, reportedly by suicide.
  • President Donald Trump praised Lemieux as a "true legend" on Truth Social.
  • The NHL community expressed shock and sadness over Lemieux's sudden passing, with tributes from former teams and officials.

On Thursday, the NHL world mourned the passing of Claude Lemieux. The 4-time Stanley Cup champion was reported to have taken his own life. Following his passing at the age of 60, U.S. President Donald Trump hailed him and called him a “true legend” of the game.

According to reports from ESPN, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office claimed that officials responded to the scene of an apparent suicide at around 3 a.m. at a furniture store showroom in Lake Park, Florida.

The victim was believed to be Lemieux. The authorities added that he was found in a rear warehouse by one of his sons.

This incident took place just a few days after he appeared at the Bell Centre before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final between the Montreal Canadiens and the Carolina Hurricanes. He was the official torchbearer for this game and carried the torch into the arena.

Lemieux’s passing following his recent public appearance stunned the hockey fraternity. President Donald Trump joined several others in paying their tributes to him. In a post on his Truth Social Account, the 79-year-old called him a friend and a tremendous supporter.

Claude Lemieux, a true Legend of the Game, and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen, has passed away. Claude was a friend to the family, and a tremendous “TRUMP” supporter. … Claude will be missed by all who love Winning and Toughness.

Donald Trump said regarding Claude Lemieux in his statement

Lemieux was selected in the 2nd round of the 1983 draft by the Canadiens. He made his debut in the 1985-86 season. While he played just 10 games in the regular season, he made a huge impact in the playoffs.

He scored 10 goals and had 6 assists in 20 games for the Habs as they won the Stanley Cup. He became a team regular in the 1986-87 season.

Lemieux went on to represent the New Jersey Devils, the Colorado Avalanche, the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Dallas Stars. He won 3 more Stanley Cups (in 1995 with the Devils and in 1996 and 2000 with the Avs).

In 2002, he joined EV Zug in Switzerland. After one season with them, he retired from the sport. In 2008, he expressed his desire to return to the NHL. He then joined the Worcester Sharks in China before signing a two-way contract with the San Jose Sharks.

He was then cleared to waivers. A few weeks later, the Sharks recalled him. In his return, he recorded just 1 point in 18 games.

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Canadiens’ owner Geoff Molson calls Claude Lemieux’s passing a “dark day” in franchise history

Claude Lemieux’s demise on Thursday shocked the NHL world. Just this Monday, he was welcomed at Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens, as a torchbearer. While reacting to his passing, Canadiens owner Geoff Melson called it a “dark day” in franchise history.

Claude Lemieux
Claude Lemieux as seen on Monday before ECF Game 3 between the Canadiens and the Hurricanes (Image via Sportsnet)

Lemieux spent 7 seasons with the Canadiens from 1983 to 1990. In 281 regular-season games, he recorded 189 points (97 goals and 92 assists). Apart from that, he had 45 points (23 goals and 22 assists) in 77 playoff games for the Montreal-based side.

Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones. … Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day.

Canadiens said in a statement regarding Claude Lemieux

His former teams, the Devils, the Avalanche, and the Stars, also made statements regarding his passing. The Avs called him a “fierce competitor” in their statement.

Meanwhile, the Devils remembered him for helping the team clinch their first Stanley Cup title in 1995. In the playoffs that year, he had 16 points (13 goals and 3 assists) in 20 games.

The Canadiens will be in action on Friday as they take on the Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final. They are currently 3-1 down and need a huge turnaround if they are to reach the Stanley Cup Final once again.

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