FORMER NHL STAR CLAUDE LEMIEUX DIED BY SUICIDE, POLICE SAY

Claude Lemieux, who won the Stanley Cup four times during a memorable NHL career, has died, the NHL Alumni Association announced Thursday. He was 60.

Lemieux died by suicide, according to authorities.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said that deputies responded just after 3 a.m. to the scene of an apparent suicide at a furniture store showroom in Lake Park, Florida. The sheriff's office said the victim was believed to be Lemieux and said he was found in a rear warehouse by one of his sons.

Just three days before, Lemieux was the Montreal Canadiens' torch bearer before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at Bell Centre.

"Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said. "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. 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."

Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Lemieux was selected by the Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL draft. He played 1,215 games in the NHL, scoring 786 points (379 goals, 407 assists). Lemieux played primarily with the Canadiens (seven years), New Jersey Devils (six years, in two different stints) and Colorado Avalanche (five years) before making stops with Phoenix, Dallas and San Jose near the end of his career.

President Donald Trump, in a post on social media, called Lemieux a "true Legend of the Game and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen."

Lemieux was known for elevating his game in the playoffs, with 0.68 career points per game in 234 postseason games. He won the Stanley Cup four times in his career with the Canadiens (1986), Devils (1995 and 2000) and Avalanche (1996). He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1995 with a playoff-best 13 goals in 20 games.

He played one game for the Sharks in the 2008-09 season, having last played in the 2002-03 season with Dallas. In between, Lemieux was featured on the Spike TV show "Pros Vs. Joes" and the CBC reality competition figure skating show "Battle of the Blades."

Lemieux was one of the NHL's most antagonistic players, known for getting under the skin of other teams' star players. His play would frequently cross the line of legality, as Lemieux earned 1,777 penalty minutes in his career as well as the ire of opposing fans.

There was never more heat on Lemieux than in 1996 with the Avalanche, when he checked Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper from behind in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals. Draper suffered a concussion and needed reconstructive surgery on his face. Lemieux was suspended for two playoff games. This led to an epic line brawl between the teams on March 26, 1997. This would eventually be covered in ESPN's series "Unrivaled" in 2022.

After his retirement, Lemieux became an NHLPA-certified agent, representing players such as Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen.

Lemieux appeared before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at Bell Centre, carrying the Canadiens' pregame torch to "light up" the arena before their game against Carolina.

"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. Memorial service details to follow," wrote the NHL Alumni Association.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

- Greg Wyshynski

EDEIN VALERI WAS 27-0 WITH 27 KNOCKOUTS HE MURDERED HIS WIFE AND AND COMMITTED SUICIDE IN JAIL

Edwin Valero was one of the most destructive punchers in modern boxing history. Born in Venezuela in 1981, he turned professional in 2002 and immediately became known for his frightening power and relentless pace. Valero began his career with a streak rarely seen in the sport, winning all 27 of his fights by knockout. His southpaw stance, violent combinations, and refusal to back down made him a fan favorite and a rising superstar. He captured world titles in two weight divisions and seemed destined for legendary status.

However, outside the ring, his life began to unravel. Reports of erratic behavior, substance abuse, and domestic violence painted a darker picture of the undefeated champion. In April 2010, Valero was arrested after confessing to killing his wife, Jennifer Viera, in a hotel room in Valencia, Venezuela. Less than twenty-four hours later, he was found dead in his jail cell, having taken his own life.

The tragedy of Edwin Valero remains one of boxing’s most haunting stories. His unmatched knockout streak and explosive talent were eclipsed by personal demons, mental instability, and violence that ultimately destroyed everything he had achieved. What was once a tale of dominance and potential became a chilling reminder of how greatness can collapse when power and pain intertwine.

#knockout #boxing #suicide #death #boxing 

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION LAUNCH SUICIDE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN

Together Against Suicide ambassador Roman Kemp (right) alongside Dean Gallagher (left) from Samaritans' Brighton & Hove branch. (Image: Paul Hazlewood)

Brighton and Hove Albion have launched a major new mental health campaign.

The club is supporting Together Against Suicide, a season-long initiative led by the Premier League and Samaritans to raise awareness of suicide and promote suicide prevention.

The campaign, launched in collaboration with broadcaster and mental health advocate Roman Kemp, aims to reach those most at risk through the power of football.

Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, said: "Sadly, suicide is an issue that affects people of all ages from all backgrounds.

"We believe football can play a vital role in reducing the stigma around it and connecting fans who are experiencing suicidal thoughts with the support they need."

Albion will formally launch the campaign at their home match against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, September 20.

A specially produced video will be shown at the Amex Stadium as part of matchday activities.

Brighton and Hove has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, with an average of 43 deaths by suicide recorded each year.

As part of the campaign, Albion will work closely with the Brighton and Hove branch of Samaritans, who have long supported the club and its supporters.

The club will offer safe spaces and trained listeners at all men’s and women’s home games, share information on recognising signs of distress, and direct fans to trusted support services, including the Samaritans’ 24/7 helpline.

During the 2025/26 season, the club will also train 1901 club fans and community members in listening skills, with sessions held at the stadium and training ground.

Julie Bentley, chief executive of Samaritans, said: "One in four of us experience suicidal thoughts but suicide is not inevitable.

"A moment of connection can be all it takes to save a life.

"Together Against Suicide is an amazing opportunity to reach thousands of people with the message that it’s okay to talk – and that support is always there."

Roman Kemp, who helped create the campaign, also spoke about its importance.

Mr Kemp said: "As football fans, we are always there for our clubs.

"This initiative flips that around – now clubs can be there for fans when they need it most.

"As someone who has felt the impact of suicide, I know that football’s sense of community can help save lives.

"One conversation really can make the difference."

- The Argus

ROY JONES JR. ANNOUNCES HIS SON DEANDRE HAS COMMITTED SUICIDE: "NOTHING IS WORTH TAKING YOUR OWN LIFE"

 Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. has announced the truly awful news that his DeAndre has committed suicide.

Getty 

As we know, even at the age of 55, Roy Jones Jr. is still an active member of the boxing community. Over the course of the last few decades, he has made a name for himself as a true icon of the sport across multiple weight classes. While he may no longer be in his prime, he still serves as quite the inspirational figure for many younger fighters who are trying to make a name for themselves.

In his personal life, Roy also has a family that he cares about deeply. Tragically, in a statement released to social media earlier this week, Jones Jr. confirmed that his son, DeAndre, has passed away.

Jones Jr. releases a statement

“Unfortunately, my son DeAndre took his life on Saturday. I’m so thankful that God allowed me to come home Friday night to spend the last night of his life with me and the family. I know a lot of people are going through tough times right now, but nothing is worth taking your own life. God gives it and God should be the one to take it away. Please respect our privacy while my family and I process this loss. Thank you for the love and support.”

As you can imagine, there’s been an outpouring of support from fans, media members and fellow fighters from across the globe. We expect to see that continue in the coming hours, days and weeks. DeAndre was 32 years old at the time of his death.

We here at BJPENN.com would like to wish Roy Jones Jr. and his family all the best following this horrible news.

- Harry Kettle

NICK KYRGIOS REVEALS HE CONTEMPLATED SUICIDE, SPENT TIME IN LONDON PSYCHIATRIC WARD AFTER 2019 WIMBLEDON DEFEAT

Kyrgios revealed he went to a hospital in London to “figure out his problems” after the loss to Rafael Nadal four years ago at Wimbledon, where he wore a compression sleeve over his right arm during his singles matches to conceal his scars.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has revealed he spent time in a psychiatric ward following a loss at Wimbledon in 2019 because of suicidal thoughts.

KAREL 'TWISTEN' ASENBRENER ESPORTS STAR DEAD AT 19 | AFTER 'GOOD NIGHT' TWEET

Esports star Karel Asenbrener -- famously known as "Twisten" -- died at 19 years old on Tuesday ... shortly after he posted a chilling tweet that read nothing more than "Good night."

Twisten's gaming org, Team Vitality, made the heartbreaking announcement on Wednesday ... saying its "deeply saddened" by the "devastating loss" of its star.

"Our first thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this difficult time," the French esports team wrote in a statement. "Rest in peace Karel.""

 "One of the organization's coaches, Harry "Gorilla" Mepham, said in a tweet that Asenbrener had died by suicide.

"Words can not describe the grief or emptiness i’m feeling right now," Mepham said. "I loved him and forever will."

In its announcement of Asenbrener's passing, Team Vitality also shared a tweet encouraging anyone struggling with mental health to reach out for help.

Asenbrener had previously opened up about a battle with depression back in February ... but the "Valorant" player said he had gotten into a better place after spending time at a mental health hospital.

"After that I had a new fresh start and was able to thankfully get my s*** together," Asenbrener wrote.

"It was hardest time for me as a person and as a professional esport athlete. But after that time I knew why I'm playing games and what my team means to me."

"He added at the time, "Take care of yourself and if you're experiencing something like I did, dont be scared to reach out to your close friends, to your family or your team."

According to Escorenews, the Czech player last competed on May 25 ... and earned $10,000 in his gaming career.

RIP