The family of Claude Lemieux will be donating the NHL great’s brain to the Boston University CTE Center, the family announced in a statement on Saturday. Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and 27-year NHL veteran, died on Thursday at age 60.
In the statement, the family said that Lemieux’s brain will be donated to the UNITE Brain Bank to become part of the Center’s research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), as well as other brain injuries and repetitive head trauma. The statement was posted to the Instagram account of Brendan Lemieux, Claude’s son, who is also a former NHL player.
The statement clarifies that Claude Lemieux has not been posthumously diagnosed with CTE.
“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,” the statement adds.
In addition, the family has given the CTE Center permission to use Lemieux’s name publicly when announcing findings related to the donation.
In the statement, the Lemieux family also addressed reports about the manner of Lemieux’s death. The Athletic reported Thursday that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is considering Lemieux’s death a suicide, and has declined to provide additional information other than confirming the NHL player’s death.
“The family recognized 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,” the statement said, while also including information for the United States Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988).
The Boston University CTE Center is one of the preeminent research centers studying the effects of repetitive head trauma in athletes, military personnel and first responders. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are among the symptoms of CTE, per the Center’s research.
Per the Center’s website, more than 1,700 brains have been donated to be studied, including more than 800 that have been diagnosed with CTE.