Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen shared an emotional message about his late agent and friend, Claude Lemieux, who died by suicide on Thursday, May 28.
“Claude made an unimaginable impact on me during the more than 15 years that he was a part of my life,” Andersen, 36, wrote in a statement shared by the Hurricanes on Sunday, May 31. “I almost feel sorry for people who didn’t have an opportunity to get to know him beyond his achievements and impact on the ice. As phenomenal as his hockey career was, he was an even better human being.”
Following his 21-year NHL career, which came to an end in 2009, Lemieux transitioned into a successful role as a sports agent, representing some of the top names in hockey, including Andersen.
“From day one, he made me feel like I was part of his family — treating me with care, compassion, loyalty and love as if I was his own son,” Andersen said. “He had a similar effect on members of my own family, leaving a lasting impression on every life that he touched.”
Lemieux died by suicide, the Palm Beach Medical Examiner confirmed to Us Weekly. He was 60.
“I cannot imagine the pain Claude was in, and I pray that he is in a better place now,” Andersen continued. “My thoughts are with Deborah, Brendan, Claudia and the entire Lemieux family as we grieve together. Claude’s spirit will forever remain in my heart, always.”
Andersen and the Hurricanes will hit the ice for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, June 2.
Claude is survived by his wife, Deborah, sons Brendan, Christopher and Michael, and daughter, Claudia.
In a statement released by the Lemieux family on Saturday, May 30, it was revealed that Claude’s brain will be donated 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 emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes, and to future generations of families seeking answers,” the family said. “No conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.”
The statement continued, “Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation. 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 Lemieux family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love from fans, former teammates, opponents, organizations and friends across the hockey community.”
