US President Donald Trump has posted a tribute to former National Hockey League (NHL) forward Claude Lemieux following his death at the age of 60, describing him as a “true legend of the game”.
The news was shared on Thursday (May 28) by Geoff Molson, owner of Lemieux’s former team, the Montreal Canadiens.
“He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player.
“Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day,” said Molson
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also paid tribute, calling Lemieux ‘one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history’.
Trump likewise weighed in, honoring the Quebec-born player—known for his postseason impact—as a standout performer in high-pressure moments.
“A true Legend of the Game and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen, has passed away,” the Republican wrote via his social media site, Truth Social.
“Claude was a friend to the family, and a tremendous ‘TRUMP’ supporter,” he baselessly claimed.
Newsweek and the Montreal Gazette have reported that, despite Trump’s statement, Lemieux was not known to have taken an active role in politics.
In his message, Trump highlighted Lemieux’s championship résumé—one Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, two with the New Jersey Devils in 1995 and 2000, and one with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996—and said his 80 career playoff goals would place him among the ‘all-time greats’.
He also said his ‘thoughts’ were with Lemieux’s wife, Deborah, and their four children: Christopher, 37; Michael, 34; Brendan, 30; and Claudia, 29.
“Brendan, my thoughts are with you, Deborah, and the whole Lemieux family — You and your Dad were Warriors on the Ice. Claude will be missed by all who love Winning and Toughness.”
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said Lemieux died by suicide, and shared the following details in a statement:
“Deputies responded to a suicide at the Andros Home showroom.
“After not returning home, the decedent was found hanging in the rear warehouse by his son.
“The business was secured for evidence preservation/investigation by VCD Homicide. The victim is believed to be Claude Lemieux,” the office added.
Brendan, who plays for HC Davos in Switzerland’s top division, posted a photo on Instagram of his father with his young son and wrote: “I love you dad! My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you.”
Molson said Lemieux—nicknamed “Pepe”—left the hockey world facing what he described as a ‘dark day’, praising him as a player who consistently delivered when it mattered most.
Calling the former forward a ‘fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments’, Molson added: “Claude was a relentless, courageous and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors.
The NHL Alumni Association said it was ‘devastated’ by the news and asked for privacy on behalf of Lemieux’s loved ones.
“He was loved by his wife and four children, and on behalf of the Lemieux family, we kindly ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the organization said.
The New Jersey Devils also released a statement saying they were ‘deeply saddened’ by his sudden death.
“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time,” the team added.
Colorado Avalanche president Joe Sakic remembered Lemieux as a ‘champion in every way’ and a ‘loyal friend who would do anything for his teammates.
“Most importantly he was a wonderful family man and there is nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandchildren,” Sakic continued.
“Today is a very sad day for the Avalanche family and Claude will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. … Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.