Former NHL player Claude Lemieux had relapsed into sex addiction prior to his death by suicide in May, his son revealed to investigators, according to newly released police bodycam footage.
Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, was found dead by hanging at a family furniture company warehouse in Palm Beach County. His son, Brendan Lemieux, discovered his father's body in the early hours of May 28.
In the footage, Brendan told Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office investigators that his father's struggle with sex addiction had resurfaced. "When I say sober, he has more issues with — his most sober thing is sex addiction versus alcohol," Brendan reportedly said, adding that changes in his father's behavior had "spiraled completely."
Brendan described his father as having been "lashing out" and "not being nice to people" in the days leading up to his death. He also recounted a confrontation between his parents on the evening of May 27, stating that his mother, Deborah, had confronted Claude about his relapse and told him to leave their home around 10:30 p.m.
Brendan arrived at the family home to discuss how to support his father when he learned of the relapse. He then drove to the family business, locating his father's truck by tracking his phone. Upon arriving at the warehouse, Brendan found his father's firearm in the glove compartment of the truck and moved it to his own vehicle before entering the warehouse. He discovered his father shortly thereafter and called 911. Lemieux was pronounced dead at approximately 3:24 a.m.
Authorities also reportedly found multiple individualized notes on Lemieux's phone, described as "heartfelt in nature" and consistent with suicide notes, expressing sorrow for his decision. An opened bag of "bedtime gummies" was found near Lemieux's body, but a toxicology report listed "negative" for all analytes.
Lemieux's death occurred just three days after he served as the ceremonial "torch bearer" for the Montreal Canadiens before Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Final matchup. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and four children.