Details Emerge on Death of Blue Jackets Star Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother

Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were killed on Thursday night after being struck by a motor vehicle while cycling, New Jersey State police have confirmed.

The police report states that the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee struck the brothers from behind after attempting to pass an SUV on the righthand side of the road after it had moved into the center of the road to give the Gaudreaus room as it passed them.

Police suspect the alleged driver of the Jeep of being under the influence of alcohol. He was charged with two counts of death by auto. No details have been released on when he’ll make his initial court appearance.

Both of the Gaudreau brothers were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday afternoon. Johnny leaves behind a daughter, Noa, a son, Johnny, and his wife Meredith.

“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,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

Gaudreau was heading into Year 3 of the seven-year, $68.25 million contract he signed with the Blue Jackets back in 2022. He scored 33 goals and 134 points in two seasons in Columbus, and he logged 243 goals and 743 points during his 11-year NHL career.

Matthew played hockey at Boston College and then for a few minor league organizations after that.