NHL legend Claude Lemieux penned emotional notes to his family before taking his own life at his family furniture company warehouse in Palm Beach County in May, according to a report. Officials confirmed Lemieux died by hanging.

Investigators found multiple individualized notes on the notes app of Lemieux's phone, which he had apparently instructed family to access via a post-it note that read, "Look inside phone notes 1965." The notes were described as "heartfelt in nature," reflecting "sorrow for his decision" and consistent with suicide notes, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office incident report obtained by The California Post.

Authorities also found an opened bag of "bedtime gummies" near Lemieux's body, though a toxicology report listed "negative for all analytes."

Lemieux's death occurred hours after his wife, Deborah, confronted him about concerns over his sobriety. The family had reportedly noticed a change in Lemieux's behavior over the past year, raising fears he had relapsed after 12 years of sobriety. Deborah Lemieux reportedly challenged her husband on May 27, and he "acknowledged" her concerns. She asked him to leave their home around 10:30 p.m. that evening and then contacted their son, Brendan.

Brendan Lemieux, who found his father's body, arrived at the home to discuss family support for his father with Deborah. He then drove to the family business, locating his father by tracking his phone. Upon arrival at the warehouse, Brendan found his father's truck, removed a firearm from the glove compartment, and placed it in his own vehicle due to the "emotional aspect of the situation." He then entered the warehouse and found his father, subsequently calling 911. Lemieux was pronounced dead at approximately 3:24 a.m.

Lemieux, who won four Stanley Cups during his NHL career from 1983 to 2009, was also known for his physical play, accumulating 1,777 career penalty minutes. He recently served as the ceremonial torch bearer for the Montreal Canadiens before a playoff game.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and their four children: Claudia, Christopher, Michael, and Brendan. His children and their spouses have shared tributes on social media.

For confidential support in the US, individuals can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available online at 988lifeline.org.