NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed Thursday evening when they were struck by an SUV as they were bicycling in New Jersey.
Gaudreau, 31, who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were scheduled to serve as groomsmen today at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia, according to her online registry page at TheKnot.com.
The tragic incident occurred just before 8:30 p.m. ET as the brothers were riding bicycles on a country road in Oldmans Township, NJ, near their hometown in Salem County, when a Jeep Grand Cherokee attempted to pass two slower-moving vehicles including another SUV and struck the Gaudreaus, according to New Jersey State Police.
The driver was charged with two counts of death by auto. New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said in a press release that the driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
In a statement posted on social media, The Columbus Blue Jackets said the team was “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.”
“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago,” the statement says, “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.”
Gaudreau, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” signed with the Blue Jackets ahead of the 2022-2023. He previously played for the Calgary Flames, joining that team when he was drafted out of Boston College. During his 11-season pro career, Gaudreau scored 243 career goals and 743 points. He made seven All-Star game appearances.
Today, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, “The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. 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.”
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Johnny Gaudreau is survived by wife Meredith, a daughter and a son.
Survivor information on Matthew Gaudreau was not immediately available.
