The Columbus Blue Jackets are mourning an “unimaginable tragedy” after forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed when, according to police, they were hit by an alleged drunken driver while riding bikes in their New Jersey hometown.
Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, Matthew, 29, were pronounced dead at the scene on the night of Aug. 29 after they were struck by an alleged drunken driver who was trying to pass another vehicle, New Jersey State Police said, according to NBC Philadelphia.
The brothers were planning to attend their sister’s wedding on Aug. 30, according to NJ Advance Media.
In a statement on X on Aug. 30, the Blue Jackets shared their condolences.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. 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.”
Police said Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto, according to NJ Advance Media.
Investigators said the Gaudreau brothers were riding their bikes on a county road in Oldmans Township at 8:19 p.m. on Aug. 29 when Higgins entered the southbound lanes to pass two vehicles ahead of him, per NBC Philadelphia.
Higgins tried to pass an SUV and struck the Gaudreau brothers, who were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
The seven-time NHL All-Star nicknamed “Johnny Hockey” was remembered for the passion he showed for the sport.
“Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” the team said in its statement. “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. 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.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also shared a statement on Gaudreau’s death.
“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,” Bettman said.
Gaudreau is the second Blue Jackets player to die in an apparent tragic accident in the last three years.
Goalie Matiss Kivlenieks was killed in a fireworks incident in July 2021 when he was struck in the chest by an errant fireworks mortar blast, authorities said.
The Gaudreau brothers grew up in Carneys Point Township and became stars for Boston College. Johnny Gaudreau won the 2014 Hobey Baker Award as the top ice hockey player in college.
He was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2014 and named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team in 2015. He played nine seasons for Calgary and is fifth all time in points in the franchise’s history.
In 2022, he signed a seven-year free agent contract with Columbus. He made the NHL All-Star Game in 2023 and led the team in points this past season.
Matthew also had a five-year playing career as a professional. In 2022, he became the head ice hockey coach at their scholastic alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey.