Johnny Gaudreau, forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother, Matthew, died in a horrific incident on a New Jersey roadway.
An SUV fatally struck the brothers while biking Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
“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, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew,” the team said in a statement.
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
The Columbus Dispatch reports:
Gaudreau, 31, was the Blue Jackets’ top forward after signing in July 2022 as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames. According to a post on a popular wedding site, Gaudreau and his brother were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding Friday in Philadelphia. Gaudreau had two young children, a daughter, Noa, and son, Johnny, with his wife Meredith and both were born in Columbus.
According to information provided by the New Jersey State Police, the Gaudreau brothers were killed after a suspected drunk driver crashed into them on a rural road. Matthew Gaudreau was 29.
ADVERTISEMENTSean Higgins, the driver, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, and police charged him with two counts of death by auto and took him to the Salem County Correctional Facility. Authorities have not said when Higgins will make his initial court appearance.
Thinking of Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, young kids, and his entire family today while they navigate this unimaginable tragedy of losing both Johnny and Matthew.
— dani smith (@thedanismith) August 30, 2024
Brothers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau have tragically passed away.
Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29. pic.twitter.com/FUrwqxrYTs
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 30, 2024
“It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau. Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary,” the Calgary Flames wrote.
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024
Per CNN:
Higgins was being held without bond at the Salem County Correctional Facility Friday morning, jail records show. There was no attorney information listed.
The Gaudreau brothers were scheduled to serve as groomsmen Friday afternoon at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia, according to her online registry page at TheKnot.com.
Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” Johnny Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft out of Boston College.
He signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets ahead of the 2022-2023 season and tallied 12 goals and 48 assists last season.
ADVERTISEMENT
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.
View the original article here.
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!