Warning: This story incorporates dialogue of suicide. Discretion is suggested. For those who or somebody you realize is struggling, assist is offered. In Canada, name or textual content 988 for the Suicide Disaster Helpline.
The hockey world is mourning the sudden loss of life of former Montreal Canadien Claude Lemieux, as specialists say his household’s choice to donate his mind to analysis may assist advance understanding of a devastating illness.
Lemieux died by suicide in Florida final week, simply days after showing in Montreal, the place he carried a ceremonial torch into the Bell Centre for Sport 3 of the Jap Convention ultimate towards the Carolina Hurricanes.
His household has since chosen to donate his mind to Boston College’s CTE Middle, contributing to ongoing analysis into the long-term results of repeated head accidents.
“I used to be very appreciative that the Lemieux household selected to donate his mind, impartial of how his life ended,” mentioned Dr. Chris Nowinski, a former soccer participant and skilled wrestler turned neuroscientist, writer and co-founder of the Concussion and CTE Basis.
Claude Lemieux waves as he’s launched throughout a ceremony to honor members from the 1996 Stanley Cup Championship workforce of the Colorado Avalanche earlier than an NHL hockey sport towards the Florida Panthers Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Denver.
(AP Picture/David Zalubowski)
“I used to be enjoying by way of them till I couldn’t anymore, till I did an excessive amount of harm to my mind,” Nowinski instructed International Information. “And I’ve by no means fairly been precisely the identical.”
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Lemieux performed a bodily fashion over a 21-year NHL profession that spanned practically 1,500 video games. It isn’t identified whether or not persistent traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, contributed to his loss of life.
The degenerative mind illness — which may solely be recognized after loss of life — has been present in a number of former hockey gamers, together with Henri Richard, Chris Simon and Bob Probert.
Specialists say repeated head trauma can result in a variety of signs, together with reminiscence loss and extreme melancholy.
“They grow to be so depressed and have so many signs, like they’ll’t bear in mind what they’d for breakfast,” mentioned Dr. Charles Tator, director of the Canadian Concussion Centre.
Former Montreal Canadiens participant Claude Lemieux enters the sector through the pregame previous to first interval of Sport 3 of the NHL Jap Convention ultimate Stanley Cup playoff collection towards the Carolina Hurricanes, in Montreal, Monday, Could 25, 2026.
Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press
There may be presently no treatment or remedy that may gradual or cease the illness.
Nowinski, a former athlete who retired after a number of concussions, mentioned every mind donation is important to advancing analysis.
“Every mind that’s donated is getting us nearer to a treatment whereas additionally giving us higher insights on stop this within the subsequent era,” he mentioned.
Tator says prevention stays key, recommending that physique checking be banned for gamers underneath 18, arguing older athletes are higher geared up to guard themselves and make knowledgeable selections.
He additionally famous athletes usually resist security measures.
“They’re about probably the most non-compliant group of individuals you may think about,” Tator mentioned.
Regardless of the tragedy, specialists say Lemieux’s legacy might finally assist defend future gamers.
For those who or somebody you realize is in disaster and desires assist, assets can be found. In case of an emergency, please name 911 for instant assist.
For instant psychological well being assist, name 988. For a listing of assist providers in your space, go to the at suicideprevention.ca.
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