The family of former NHL player Claude Lemieux has donated his brain to the Boston University CTE Center for research into the long-term effects of repetitive brain injuries, according to a statement released Saturday by his daughter Claudia Lemieux Bishop.

Lemieux died by suicide at age 60 on Thursday, according to authorities. Earlier in the week, he had served as the Montreal Canadiens' torchbearer before a playoff game.

The former forward played nearly 1,500 NHL games across six teams from 1983 to 2009. He was known for his hard-hitting style and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, winning the Stanley Cup four times during his career.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head. The Boston University CTE Center is a leading research facility studying the condition and its effects on former athletes.

The donation represents part of ongoing efforts to better understand the relationship between contact sports and long-term brain health. Research into CTE has become increasingly important as awareness grows about the potential neurological risks faced by professional athletes in contact sports.