In the statement, the family said Lemieux’s brain will be donated to the Unite Brain Bank to be part of the center’s research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy, as well as other brain injuries and repetitive head trauma. The statement was posted on the Instagram account of Claude’s son, Brandon Lemieux, who is also a former NHL player.
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The statement clarified that Claude Lemieux has not been posthumously diagnosed with CTE.
The statement read, “The family emphasizes that this decision is a gift to future generations of science, athletes, and families seeking answers. No conclusions should be drawn at this time regarding any diagnosis.”
Additionally, the family has given the Center permission to use Lemieux’s name publicly when announcing findings related to the donation.
In the statement, the Lemieux family also addressed reports regarding the manner of Lemieux’s death. The Athletic reported Thursday that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is treating Lemieux’s death as a suicide and declined to provide additional information beyond confirming the NHL player’s death.
The statement read, “The family recognizes that there has been public reporting regarding the circumstances of Claude’s death. Suicide is complex, and the family asks the media and public to discuss this loss with care, compassion, and respect for those who loved him.” The statement also includes information for the United States Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988).
The Boston University CTE Center is one of the leading research centers studying the effects of repeated head trauma in athletes, military personnel, and first responders. According to the center’s research, suicidal thoughts and behavior are among the symptoms of CTE.
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According to the center’s website, more than 1,700 brains have been donated for study, including more than 800 brains from people suffering from CTE.
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