NHL star Claude Lemieux died of a broken heart — for two deeply painful reasons, close pals say
Retired NHL star Claude Lemieux died by suicide at the age of 60, reportedly due to emotional struggles stemming from feelings of rejection and family issues. He was known for his successful hockey career, winning four Stanley Cups, but never received induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which deeply affected him. Close friends indicated that a recent emotional experience may have triggered his long-standing pain and depression.
- ▪Claude Lemieux was a celebrated NHL player who won four Stanley Cups during his career.
- ▪He struggled with feelings of rejection after not being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- ▪Lemieux had not spoken to his children for about ten years, adding to his emotional burden.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
NHL exclusive details NHL star Claude Lemieux died of a broken heart — for two deeply painful reasons, close pals say By Gabrielle Fahmy Published May 30, 2026, 11:47 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Retired NHL star Claude Lemieux died of a broken heart, according to people who knew him. During his two-decade career, he led the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche to a total of four Stanley Cups and was the ninth best playoff scorer of all time — but he was never inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame after he hung up his skates in 2009. Lemieux, a “tough guy” on the ice who was known to be deeply sensitive to rejection, never got over being passed over for the top honor, according to his pals.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
