NHL legend Claude Lemieux left several heartbreaking messages for his loved ones shortly before his death by suicide, according to a newly obtained Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office incident report.
The four-time Stanley Cup champion died May 28 at his family’s home-design business in Lake Park, Florida. He was 60.
According to the report, Lemieux wrote several individualized messages in the notes app on his phone before his death. He also left a Post-it note attached to the device explaining how investigators and family members could access them.
“Look inside phone notes 1965,” Lemieux reportedly wrote in black marker.
After investigators opened the app, they discovered multiple messages written for individual family members.
“The notes were heartfelt in nature,” authorities stated, adding that they “reflected sorrow for his decision” and were consistent with suicide notes.
The report also revealed that Lemieux had faced a difficult conversation with his wife, Deborah, in the hours before his death.
Deborah reportedly confronted her husband about a possible relapse after he had spent years sober. When Lemieux confirmed that he had relapsed, she asked him to leave the family home, according to investigators.
Their son, Brendan Lemieux, was informed about the conversation between his parents. After discovering that his father had gone to the family business, Brendan drove there to check on him.
He reportedly found his father in the rear of the building and immediately called 911.
Investigators recovered Lemieux’s phone and the Post-it note containing the instructions near the scene. Authorities also discovered an open bag of “bedtime gummies” close to his body.
However, the toxicology report was reportedly negative for all substances tested.
Lemieux enjoyed a remarkable professional hockey career that stretched from 1983 to 2009. He played for several NHL teams, including the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils, and became known as one of the league’s most formidable playoff performers.
He won four Stanley Cup championships and received the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 1995 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Lemieux is survived by his wife, Deborah, and his children, including sons Christopher, Brendan and Michael.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis in the United States can call or text 988 or use the 988 Lifeline’s online chat for free, confidential support.