Shockwaves were sent across the sports world on Friday, with the news that NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew had passed away in an accident. Many big names emotionally reacted to the tragic news, including LeBron James .
"Insane man! I instantly got so down and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above."
The story is indeed an incredibly sad one. Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were riding their bicycles together on Thursday night on a county road in Oldmans Township when they were hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee and passed away. That alone would have been ever so tragic, but the circumstances made it all the more heartbreaking.
Johnny and Matthew were actually in their hometown of New Jersey for their sister Katie's wedding, which was to be held on Friday. The two brothers were to be the groomsmen and ended up losing their lives the night before. A heartbroken Katie reportedly canceled the wedding in the wake of their deaths.
As for how the accident occurred, it has been reported that it all began when an SUV driving near them, moved closer to the middle of the road to give them space. Unfortunately, a Jeep that was following them recklessly attempted to overtake the SUV and struck the brothers in the process.
The driver of the Jeep has been identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins and he is suspected of driving under the influence. Higgins has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide in the second degree and could spend up to 10 years in prison.
Getting back to the brothers, Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith and two children, Noa aged one, and Johnny Jr. who was only born in February 2024. As for Matthew, he is survived by his wife Madeline, and was reportedly set to become a father for the first time in December.
It's so tragic how so many lives have been changed forever by that one accident. Their uncle Jim Gaudreau released a statement on Friday on behalf of all of them.
"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two uncles, two nephews, two cousins, two family members two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief.
"From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families)"
Johnny Gaudreau's NHL team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, also released a statement on his and Matthew's passing.
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Johnny had signed with the Blue Jackets in 2022 and made the All-Star team in his very first season. In total, he was a seven-time All-Star who racked up 743 points in an 11-year career. He will be sorely missed, not just on the ice but off it too.
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