The hockey world is mourning the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, who were reportedly killed while cycling Thursday night in New Jersey.
The brothers were hit by an alleged drunk driver, Fox News reported.
The NHL team confirmed the news in a statement early Friday morning.
Gaudreau was 31; his brother was 29.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the statement read.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew,” the statement continued.
According to New Jersey State police, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a rural road at about 8:30 p.m. when Sean Higgins, 43, was driving in the same direction and attempted to pass two other vehicles.
Higgins’ vehicle struck the cyclists from behind. They pronounced dead at the scene.
Higgins, suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, was charged with two counts of death by auto. He was remanded at the Salem County Correctional Facility, police said.
Gaudreau and his brother were reportedly set to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia Friday, The Columbus Dispatch reported, citing a post on a wedding website.
Gaudreau joined the Blue Jackets in 2022 after nine years with the Calgary Flames.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him,” the Blue Jackets’ statement read.
“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve,” the statement continued.
Both Gaudreaus played hockey at Boston College. Matthew Gaudreau also played hockey for minor league teams.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
“He will be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he played his first nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22, emerging as one of our League’s brightest young stars while compiling the franchise’s fifth-highest career points total. His loss also will be felt profoundly in Columbus, the city in which he chose to settle his family and where he was one of the respected, veteran leaders of a club building toward the playoffs. And both Johnny and Matthew will be mourned at Boston College, where they were teammates the year Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both played and where Matthew was the head hockey coach following his own five-year pro playing career.”
Many posted their sympathies about the deaths on X, formerly Twitter.
