Claude Lemieux's Death Prompts Brain Donation to CTE Research

The hockey world is mourning the sudden death of former Montreal Canadien Claude Lemieux, as his family donates his brain to Boston University's CTE Center for research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Lemieux died by suicide in Florida last week, days after carrying a ceremonial torch into the Bell Centre in Montreal. The degenerative brain disease, diagnosed only after death, has been found in several NHL players including Henri Richard and Chris Simon.

Experts say repeated head trauma can lead to memory loss and severe depression. Dr. Charles Tator of the Canadian Concussion Centre recommends banning body checking for players under 18. There is no cure.

Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder of the Concussion and CTE Foundation, said each donation gets researchers closer to a cure and better prevention for future generations.