Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were struck and killed by a car in Salem County, New Jersey on Friday.
The brothers, who were in town to celebrate their sister’s wedding, were reportedly hit by a car which was attempting to pass two other vehicles before striking their bicycles from behind. Both Johnny and Matthew were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to authorities, the driver, Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was charged with two counts of death by auto. He is currently being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the club said via a statement posted to their team website. “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.”
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that 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 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.”
“At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”
Outpourings of support and love from around the hockey world came swiftly following news of the Gaudreau’s passing.
Former Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving issued a statement of his own saying “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…His thousand-watt smile and infectious personality were matched only by his love for his family, friends, and those close to him. He brought joy to everyone around him and to the many who never knew him but marveled at his excellence on the ice. John was a beloved teammate and a friend to so many in the hockey community, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”
“My heart goes out to the entire Gaudreau family-to his mom and dad, Jane and Guy; his sisters, Kristen and Katie; his loving wife, Meredith; his precious children, Noa and Johnny; and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.”
“Family was everything to John, and in his memory, please hug those close to you tighter and longer today and every day.”
Gaudreau’s passing is sadly not the only off-ice tragedy to strike the Blue Jackets organization over the past few years. Goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks perished in a fireworks related accident back in July of 2021 while attending the wedding of then-Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace’s daughter.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 years old at the time of his passing.