The brain of former NHL player Claude Lemieux is being donated to the Boston University CTE Center. This donation will support research into the long-term impacts of repeated head trauma, according to a family statement released Saturday by daughter Claudia Lemieux Bishop.

Lemieux died by suicide at age 60 on Thursday, authorities confirmed. Earlier that week he had served as the Montreal Canadiens torchbearer ahead of a playoff game. He appeared in nearly 1,500 NHL contests with six teams from 1983 to 2009 and earned a reputation for physical play and strong performances in key moments, capturing the Stanley Cup four times.

The family granted the CTE Center permission to share research findings publicly under Lemieux's name while stressing that no conclusions should be reached about any diagnosis at this stage.

“Claude dedicated his post-playing career to helping the next generation,” the family said, noting his work as an agent. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”

CTE is a degenerative brain condition triggered by repeated head trauma and can only be diagnosed after death. Symptoms may include memory loss, mental fog, aggression, mood changes and depression.

In the US, the suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 and the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 and the domestic violence helpline is 0808 2000 247. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14 and the national family violence counselling service is 1800 737 732.