NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau And Brother Killed Hours Before Sister's Wedding

NHL star forward Johnny Gaudreau, also known as “Johnny Hockey,” was killed alongside his brother, Matthew, in a suspected drunken driving incident Thursday while riding bicycles in New Jersey, authorities said. Their deaths appear to have come hours before their sister’s wedding scheduled nearby.

The two brothers were riding in Oldmans Township, about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia, when a driver believed to be under the influence of alcohol struck them from behind around 8 p.m. while attempting to pass other vehicles, New Jersey State Police said.

Driver Sean Higgins, 43, was arrested on two counts of death by automobile and booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility. The crash remains under investigation, police said.

Columbus Blue Jacket Johnny Gaudreau is seen during an NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023.

Gaudreau, 31, played 11 seasons with the NHL and participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times. He signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022 while a free agent following nine seasons with the Calgary Flames.

In a statement, the Columbus Blue Jackets hailed Gaudreau as “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 impression he made on everyone who knew him,” the team said.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also memorialized Gaudreau in a statement as “a dazzling” and “skilled playmaker,” who was “always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.”

Brothers Johnny Gaudreau (right) and Matthew Gaudreau celebrate after the Boston College Eagles beat the Northeastern University Huskies to win their fifth Beanpot Championship in a row in 2014.

“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons,” Bettman said.

Gaudreau’s brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, also played hockey professionally, with him last playing with Massachusetts’ Worcester Railers during the 2021-2022 season. He played at Boston College alongside his brother and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where he served as the head hockey coach, following in the steps of his father, Guy Gaudreau.

“Matty will always be remembered as one of the original Railers who helped to guide the organization in our inaugural season,” the Worcester Railers said in a statement. “We remember his time spent in Worcester fondly.”

The two brothers were in the area ahead of their sister Katie’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia, according to her Instagram account and a website announcing her planned nuptials.

The two brothers were slated to be groomsmen in the celebration, according to the wedding website, which also listed Johnny’s children as the event’s flower girl and ring bearer.