NHL legend Claude Lemieux died by suicide at age 60, leaving the hockey world in mourning. He was found by his son in a Florida furniture store warehoue days after appearing as a torchbearer at an NHL playoff game.

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Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, was known for his relentless style, earning the nickname 'Pepe' for his fierce competitiveness. He played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1983 to 1990, winning Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993, and later joined the New Jersey Devils, winning another Cup in 1995, and then the Colorado Avalanche, winning his fourth in 1996.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman paid tribute, stating, 'The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history.'

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The sudden passing of Claude Lemieux has left fans, teammates, and officials across the hockey community heartbroken. His emotional appearance as a torchbearer at Game 3 of the NHL's Eastern Conference Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes in Montreal on May 25 has left many wondering what could have been.

Quebec Premier Philippe Fréchette expressed shock, saying, 'Claude Lemieux was my generation. A striking figure in our hockey, a player with heart in his belly. His death seems so sudden, just a few days after seeing him proudly carry the torch at the Bell Centre.'

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The news came just three days after Lemieux made an emotional appearance as a torchbearer at Game 3 of the NHL's Eastern Conference Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes in Montreal on May 25. His sudden passing has left fans, teammates, and officials across the hockey community heartbroken.

Claude Lemieux was born in Buckingham, Quebec, and played for the Montreal Canadiens from 1983 to 1990, winning Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993. He later joined the New Jersey Devils, winning another Cup in 1995, and then the Colorado Avalanche, winning his fourth in 1996.

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The medical examiner determined the cause of death as suicide. Lemieux is survived by his wife and four children. His son, in a social media post, wrote, 'I love you dad! My son favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you.'

Former teammates and opponents alike shared their grief. Colorado Avalanche legend Joe Sakic said, 'Pepe was a terrific hockey player, a fierce competitor and a champion in every way. he was also a loyal friend who would do anything for his teammates. Most importantly he was a wonderful family man.'

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The hockey world has lost a legend, and his legacy as a fierce competitor and devoted family man will endure. Lemieux's sudden passing has left fans, teammates, and officials across the hockey community heartbroken.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman paid tribute, stating , 'The National Hockey League mourns the passing of Claude Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest big-game players in hockey history.'