Claude Lemieux’s brain to be donated for study on long-term CTE
The family of Claude Lemieux released a statement on Saturday night, announcing that they will be donating the four-time Stanley Cup champion’s brain to the UNITE Brain Bank to study the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries and repetitive head impacts.
Statement from Claude Lemieux’s family.
Family of Claude Lemieux issues statement regarding his passing.
The study will not only allow confirmation about whether Lemieux had suffered from CTE, but also provide the UNITE Brain Bank to research his brain. CTE cannot be diagnosed in a living person, as it requires the examination of brain tissue under a microscope to identify key symptoms of the disease.
In the hope that Claude’s life can continue to help others, the family has chosen to donate his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for research into the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury. The family has also given permission for the CTE Center to identify Claude by name in connection with his donation and any findings it may publicly share in accordance with its research protocols. The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers. No conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.
“Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation,” the family said. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations, and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”
The announcement comes in the wake of Lemieux’s passing at the age of 60 earlier this week. While the cause of death was not confirmed in the announcement, it was later confirmed that Lemieux had committed suicide.
The family recognizes that there has been public reporting about the circumstances of Claude’s death. Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who loved him.
Lemieux will be remembered by wife Deborah, brother Jocelyn, and children Brendan, Claudia, Michael and Christopher. Like Claude, Jocelyn and Brendan also had NHL stints, albeit not as lengthy or successful as Claude.