NHL legend Patrick Roy joined the hockey world in paying respects to Claude Lemieux, who died Thursday at 60 years old after a reported suicide attempt.
The former Islanders head coach, who was teammates with Lemieux in Montreal and Colorado during his playing career, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” upon learning of the four-time Stanley Cup winner’s sudden death.
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“I am deeply saddened to learn of Claude Lemieux’s passing,” Roy said in French in a statement to reporter Renaud Lavoie. “Claude was an exceptional teammate, a fierce competitor, a key element in several of our greatest achievements, and a player who left his mark on our sport. His intensity and determination made him a player respected by his teammates and feared by his opponents.
Former Islanders head coach Patrick Roy looks on during a game last season. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
“We shared unforgettable moments, memorable victories, and a shared passion for hockey. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this ordeal.”
The Hall of Fame goalie was teammates twice with Lemieux, with the two playing together on the Canadiens from 1984-90 and reuniting on the Avalanche from 1996-2000.
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Roy and Lemieux won two Stanley Cups together, once in Montreal in the 1985-86 season and again in Colorado a decade later, taking home the championship in 1995-96.
Lemieux spent 21 seasons in the NHL, playing for the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Coyotes, Stars and Sharks throughout his career.
Claude Lemieux raises his hand after scoring his second goal of the game
during a Devils-Rangers game on Dec. 1, 1999. New York Post
The forward racked up a total of 379 goals and 407 assists in 1,215 regular season games, along with 158 points through 234 postseason matches.
According to multiple reports, Lemieux’s death was ruled a suicide, with authorities finding him in the warehouse of a furniture store he owned in Lake Park, Fla.
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The Athletic reported that deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office responded to a suicide attempt at the store, and the business was secured to conduct an investigation.
Claude Lemieux carries the torch in the opening ceremony of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Canadiens and the Hurricanes at the Bell Centre on May 25, 2026 in Montreal. NHLI via Getty Images
The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office did not release records to the outlet because of a Florida statue that exempts suicide cases from being viewed by the public.
“The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux,” the Devils, with whom Lemieux spent parts of six seasons, said in a statement. “A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it, Claude’s impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.
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“Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
