Claude Lemieux Admitted Relapse Before Death, Report Says

Claude Lemieux acknowledged relapsing after 12 years of sobriety the night before his death by suicide, according to an incident report obtained by TMZ Sports. Lemieux's family had observed behavioral changes over the preceding year, prompting his wife, Deborah, to confront him.

Following his acknowledgment of a relapse, Lemieux was asked to leave the family home around 10:30 p.m. ET. He was discovered hanging in the family's furniture store approximately five hours later by his son, Brendan.

Deborah Lemieux had contacted Brendan after confronting her husband. Brendan went to the residence to discuss how to support his father. Upon checking his father's location and finding him at the business, Brendan drove there. He observed his father's truck in the parking lot and retrieved a firearm he knew Claude kept in the glove compartment, citing the "emotional aspect of the situation."

The report also indicated that a message was found on Lemieux's phone. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.

Lemieux, who began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens and was part of their 1986 Stanley Cup-winning team, ultimately won four Stanley Cups. In 1995 and 1996, he became the 10th player in NHL history to win consecutive Stanley Cups with different teams, first with the New Jersey Devils and then with the Colorado Avalanche. He was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy after the 1995 Stanley Cup Final. Lemieux concluded his NHL career with the San Jose Sharks in 2009, appearing in 1,215 games for several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks. He later worked as a player agent, reportedly representing Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen.

Lemieux's death occurred just days after he attended the Eastern Conference Final between the Hurricanes and the Canadiens. He carried the ceremonial torch into the arena for the Canadiens prior to Game 3, while Andersen was in net for the Hurricanes.