The Montreal Canadiens and the NHL as a whole are mourning the unexpected loss of former forward Claude Lemieux, who died Thursday at the age of 60.

Lemieux spent parts of 21 seasons in the NHL, primarily between the Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Colorado Avalanche. He won a Stanley Cup with each of those teams, including a pair with the Devils.

A physical and aggressive player on the ice, Lemieux returned to the NHL after five years away to finish his career in a San Jose Sharks uniform during the 2008-09 season.

After his playing career, Lemieux became an agent and represented Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen, among other NHL players.

Here’s what we know about Lemieux’s unexpected death.

How did Claude Lemieux die?

Lemieux died by suicide, TMZ reported. He was found at a family business in Florida early Thursday morning.

The news of Lemieux’s death sent shockwaves through the Canadiens organization in part because he had just carried the torch out on the ice at the Bell Centre before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final on Monday.

Lemieux had four children, including former NHL forward Brendan Lemieux.

Claude Lemieux cause of death

Lemieux died by suicide, TMZ first reported Thursday. The four-time Stanley Cup champion was found Thursday morning at a family business in Florida.

The Athletic, citing the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, reported that police responded to a suicide attempt at a furniture store early Thursday morning. The business in Lake Park, Florida, was owned by Lemieux and his wife.

According to TMZ, Lemieux was found by his son around 3 a.m. ET.

Claude Lemieux family statement

Lemieux’s family has yet to comment on his death. The news was first announced by the NHL Alumni Association on behalf of his family.

“He was loved by his wife and four children, and on behalf of the Lemieux family, we kindly ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time,” the NHL Alumni Association said.

Claude Lemieux tributes

Canadiens CEO Geoff Molson called it a “dark day” for the franchise in a statement.

“A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors,” Molson said. “He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day.”

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman paid tribute to Lemieux, praising his playoff performances over the years.

Darren McCarty, an on-ice rival of Lemieux’s, also shared kind words after Thursday’s news.

The Devils called Lemieux a “clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils’ fans off it” in a statement.

Source: The Sporting News