Exclusive | Claude Lemieux’s son revealed dad relapsed into sex addiction before suicide

Newly released body camera footage offers insight into the final hours of NHL legend Claude Lemieux. His son, Brendan Lemieux, spoke with Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigators shortly after finding his father’s body at their family’s business in Lake Park, Florida.

In the recording, Brendan Lemieux explains to authorities that his father had been struggling with a relapse into sex addiction. He notes that while his father had maintained sobriety for over a decade, behavior changes observed by his family members during the past year indicated a recent spiral. This confession followed a tense confrontation between Claude Lemieux and his wife, Deborah, the night before he died.

Brendan Lemieux described his father’s recent actions as increasingly erratic, noting that he had been lashing out at people. This domestic dispute reached a breaking point hours before the incident, leading to a request for him to leave the family home. The investigation later confirmed that Claude Lemieux left multiple notes on his mobile device for his family members, which investigators described as heartfelt.

The 60-year-old former hockey star played across the NHL for 21 seasons, securing four Stanley Cup titles and a Conn Smythe Trophy. His death has prompted an outpouring of discussion regarding the pressures faced by professional athletes after their playing days conclude. Authorities are treating the case as a suicide, consistent with the notes recovered from the scene.