NHL’s Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Matthew Killed

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, tragically passed away after being struck by a car while cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on Thursday evening, as confirmed by the team on Friday morning via social media platform X. Johnny was 31 years old, and Matthew was 29, as reported by the New York Post.

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

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According to reports from local authorities, the fatal incident occurred when Sean Higgins, the driver of a car, attempted to overtake an SUV that had shifted to the middle of County Route 551 to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers.

In trying to pass the SUV on the right side, Higgins lost control and struck the brothers from behind.

Police indicated that Higgins was suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the accident. He reportedly admitted to a state trooper that he had consumed “five to six beers” before the crash.

Higgins was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.

In a statement, the Columbus Blue Jackets expressed their deep sorrow over the loss. “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. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, and their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”

Johnny Gaudreau, originally from Salem, New Jersey, had a notable 11-season career in the NHL, playing for both the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames. In the most recent season, he participated in 81 games and scored 48 points. He leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their two young children, Noa, 1, and Johnny, 6 months.

This tragic event occurred just a day before the Gaudreau brothers were scheduled to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce in Gloucester City, New Jersey.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically k*lled in a biking accident by a suspected drunk driver Thursday night, just hours before their sister Katie’s wedding.

The Gaudreau brothers were expected to be groomsmen in their sister’s… pic.twitter.com/A4uvIxV8a2

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) August 30, 2024

The Blue Jackets highlighted Gaudreau’s passion for hockey in their statement: “Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone who 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.”

Johnny Gaudreau grew up in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia, and later attended Boston College, where he was awarded the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the best player in college hockey in 2014.

He was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft and went on to have an illustrious career, being named a finalist for the Calder Trophy and appearing in the NHL All-Star game seven times.

In a 2016 essay for The Players’ Tribune, Gaudreau reflected on his journey to the NHL: “My focus was never squarely on making it to the NHL. I always just tried to advance to the next level, one rung at a time. It’s important to take it slow because if you immediately try to compare your game to the guys playing in the league, you’re going to get down on yourself pretty quick.”

Matthew Gaudreau, like his brother, played hockey at Boston College. He went on to play professionally with the New York Islanders’ minor league affiliate in 2017 and continued his career in Sweden and the ECHL until 2021.

This tragic event follows another devastating loss for the Blue Jackets in 2021 when their goaltender, Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, died after being struck by an errant fireworks mortar during a private party in Michigan.