Athletes Across Sports World Mourn the Loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Athletes from across the sports world have come together to express their condolences and support for the family of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically lost their lives in a biking accident.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, a player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, a professional hockey player in the ECHL, were killed in a biking accident in Salem County, New Jersey.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening when the Gaudreau brothers were out riding their bikes.

The accident took place when Sean Higgins, a 43-year-old driver, attempted to pass two vehicles ahead of him.

Higgins tried to overtake an SUV that had moved to the center of the roadway to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers, who were riding on the right side.

In his attempt to pass, Higgins veered into the southbound lanes, striking Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Both brothers suffered fatal injuries from the collision.

The tragedy struck just one day before the Gaudreau brothers were set to participate as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce.

It's suspected that Higgins was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto and is currently being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility .

The Columbus Blue Jackets, where Johnny Gaudreau played, also expressed their deep sorrow over the tragic loss, stating, "Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

"The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impressions he made on everyone who knew him," the team added.

This tragedy has touched many in the NHL world and beyond.