Tragic news has shaken the sports world as NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in a bike accident in their home state of New Jersey. The 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets forward, known as "Johnny Hockey," was struck by a car while riding bicycles with his brother near their home in Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday night.
The pair were killed on the eve of their sister's wedding when a suspected drunken driver of an SUV hit them. The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, attempted to pass two other vehicles, hitting them from behind, resulting in their death at the scene.
Higgins, who admitted having five or six beers before the crash, was charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Gaudreau, 31, and brother, Matt, 29, were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
Jim Gaudreau, the uncle of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, released a statement on behalf of their family:
"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans. We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief. From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families)."
Reactions from the Sports World
Reactions poured in from the sports world, with tributes from NBA star LeBron James, MLB star Mike Trout, and NHL teams and players. James wrote on his X account, "My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family's from the heavens above."
Trout, who is from Millville, New Jersey, wrote, "Devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Sending my deepest condolences and love to their family."
Tributes from the Hockey World
Tributes also came from hockey, with former teammates and coaches expressing their shock and sadness. Former Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen wrote, "I am deeply saddened by the news I received late last night. R.I.P. Johnny and Matthew, fine young men with beautiful family that seemed so close...gone way too soon."
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Former Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving, who was the GM when Gaudreau played for the Flames, wrote, "I am absolutely devastated by the news of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew's passing... John was a truly special player, dazzling on the ice with his incredible talent, but what made him truly special was the person he was off the ice."
Brad Treliving, ladies and gentlemen… to Johnny’s brothers GoFundMe.
— Zay (@BestOfZay) August 30, 2024
In honour of #13.
😔🖤 https://t.co/4wmRbJ51c6 pic.twitter.com/811413znLd
Johnny Gaudreau's Career
Gaudreau played ten full seasons in the NHL, scoring 743 points (243 goals, 500 assists) in 763 regular-season games. He was a nearly point-a-game player with 776 points in 805 regular-season and playoff games. He won the Lady Byng Trophy in 2017 for sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and a high standard of play.
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