NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets Announce Star Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother Were Struck and Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver While Cycling

The Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday announced the death of star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau after they were hit by a driver while cycling.

Johnny turned 31 about two weeks ago. Matthew was 29.

The brothers were cycling Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. According to New Jersey State Police, 43-year-old Sean Higgins was traveling north on County Route 551. While switching to the southbound lane to pass two cars, one of the cars moved to the middle of the road to give space to the brothers cycling on the right. In response to car moving to the left, Higgins then attempted to pass it on the left — striking the brothers from the behind.

Higgins is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. He was charged with two counts of death by auto and taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility.

“Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” the team’s statement read. “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 a 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.”

ESPN’s Mike Greenberg broke the news to his television audience Friday morning on Get Up .

“If it seems as though we have had a little bit of a strange vibe here to open our show this morning,” Greenberg said, “it’s because we — like everyone across the sports world and well beyond — have felt as though our breath has been taken away this morning by tragic news that came into our newsroom as it was confirmed just within the last half hour; and that is that Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau, and his brother Matthew who was a minor league hockey player, were both killed last night.”

Watch above via ESPN.