Claude Lemieux’s Brain Donated to Boston University CTE Center

On May 28 2024, former NHL forward Claude Lemieux died by suicide at age 60, authorities said. Two days later, his family announced that his brain will be donated to the UNITE Brain Bank at Boston University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) for research on the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts. The donation includes permission for the center to publicly associate any future findings with Lemieux’s name, while the family stressed that no medical diagnosis is being inferred.

Lemieux Family to Donate His Brain to BU’s CTE Center

Lemieux’s professional career spanned 21 NHL seasons, during which he won four Stanley Cups and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1995. Known for a hard-hitting style and clutch performances, he was a polarizing figure. After retiring, he worked as a player agent, representing goaltender Frederik Andersen, and his son Brendan Lemieux later played for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Claude Lemieux’s family announces ‘brain’ donation to CTE research after his death

The UNITE Brain Bank, the world’s largest repository for traumatic brain injury and CTE tissue, has received more than 1,700 brain donations. Lemieux’s brain will join this collection for study of repetitive head impacts and their link to neurodegenerative conditions.

Lemieux Family to Donate His Brain to BU’s CTE Center

In a statement released by Lemieux’s daughter, Claudia Lemieux Bishop, the family described the donation as “a gift to science, to athletes and to future generations of families seeking answers.” They noted that Lemieux’s post-playing commitment was “helping the next generation.” The family also asked that coverage of the suicide be handled with “care, compassion and respect for those who loved him,” emphasizing that “no conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.”

Lemieux Family to Donate His Brain to BU’s CTE Center

• “Claude dedicated his post-playing career to helping the next generation,” — Claude Lemieux’s family

Claude Lemieux's brain will be donated to Boston University's CTE Center

• “The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to science, to athletes and to future generations of families seeking answers,” — Claude Lemieux’s family

Claude Lemieux’s family announces ‘brain’ donation to CTE research after his death

• “No conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.” — Claude Lemieux’s family

Claude Lemieux’s family announces ‘brain’ donation to CTE research after his death

• “Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who loved him.” — Claude Lemieux’s family

Lemieux Family to Donate His Brain to BU’s CTE Center

With permission to use Lemieux’s name, the Boston University CTE Center will incorporate his brain into ongoing analyses and may publish findings in future scientific reports. The family’s request for compassionate coverage suggests continued public attention to Lemieux’s legacy and to broader discussions of mental health and brain injury in professional sports.

Claude Lemieux's brain will be donated to Boston University's CTE Center