Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed in N.J.

Columbus Blue Jackets left winger Johnny Gaudreau died Thursday night when he was struck by a car while riding a bicycle in New Jersey. He was 31.

Also killed was his brother, Matthew, 29.

The Gaudreau family had gathered in their hometown in Salem County, N.J., to take part in the wedding of Katie Gaudreau, the sister of the men, to her high school sweetheart. She was to be married Friday, with her brothers serving as groomsmen and their wives as co-maids of honor.

The team confirmed the deaths in a statement Friday morning.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. 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," the team said.

"Johnny played the game with 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. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve."

According to police, the brothers were riding bikes along County Route 551 in Oldmans Township around 8:30 p.m. when they were hit by a Jeep driven by 43-year-old Sean Higgins of Woodstown, N.J. The accident occurred as the driver tried to pass a slower vehicle on the right and struck the Gaudreaus in the rear, 6ABC in Philadelphia reported.

The television station, citing a police affidavit, said Higgins reportedly told the state trooper who arrived at the accident scene that he drank "five to six beers" before the crash. Per the report, Higgins failed a field sobriety test.

Higgins was taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. He was being held without bail pending a hearing.

"The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement early Friday. "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."

Johnny Gaudreau played parts of 11 NHL seasons and took part in seven All-Star games. At Boston College, he won the Hobey Baker Award as the nation's top player in 2013-14, and Matthew was his teammate that season.

Matthew played minor league hockey for five seasons and went on to become the head hockey coach at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where the brothers played.

The eighth annual Johnny Gaudreau Scholarship Golf Tournament was held in July to assist students with tuition for the school.

The Calgary Flames selected Gaudreau in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, and he became a regular in the rotation there in the 2014-15 season. He ranks fifth all-time with the club in assists (399), points (609) and game-winning goals (41).

Gaudreau was awarded the 2016-17 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, given annually to the player who best exemplifies good sportsmanship.

"Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary," the Flames said in a statement in tribute to the brothers.

"It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community."

Before the 2022 season, Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68.25 million deal with the Blue Jackets, choosing to move closer to his New Jersey roots.

In two seasons in Columbus, Gaudreau played in 161 games, posting 134 points (33 goals, 101 assists) for a club that finished last in the Metropolitan Division both seasons. He led the team in points and assists in each campaign.

In 763 NHL career games, he totaled 743 points (243 goals, 500 assists) in the regular season. The Flames made the Stanley Cup Playoffs five times during Gaudreau's era there, and he added 11 goals and 22 assists in 42 postseason games.

Gaudreau's passing occurred three years after Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died as a result of a fireworks accident on July 4, 2021 in Michigan.

--Field Level Media