Johnny Gaudreau dies at 31: Hockey players, fans pay tribute to Blue Jackets winger after bike accident

The NHL world woke up to awful news Friday morning, as Blue Jackets star winger Johnny Gaudreau died Thursday night in a reported bicycle accident in New Jersey.

He was 31 years old.

"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. "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.

"... We send our most heart-felt condolences to his wife Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and sisters Kristen and Katie. And we grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey and countless fans around the world for whom he created indelible memories on and off the ice."

He leaves behind two young children, a daughter, Noa, and son, Johnny, along with his wife, Meredith.

Befoe the NHL Gaudreau played college hockey for three seasons at Boston College, where he helped the Eagles to a national championship in 2012, and won the 2014 Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the NCAA . He was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 draft by the Flames, making his NHL debut in 2014 and spending nine seasons in Calgary.

Gaudreau was set to begin his third season as a member of the Blue Jackets. He signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract in free agency with the club in 2022. He was coming off a 60-point campaign from the 2023-24 season.

Johnny Gaudreau accident

Gaudreau, along with his brother Matthew, 29, were reportedly struck by a vehicle while biking around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday in Oldsmans Township, N.J.

The two brothers were riding their bikes north on County Route 551 when Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, N.J., was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee north on the same road, according to investigators . Higgins attempted to pass two vehicles in front of him and entered the southbound lance.

An SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the road in order to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers, who were riding their bikes on the right side of the road, according to investigators . Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV and struck the two Gaudreau brothers, police said.

Both brothers died from their injuries.

Investigators said Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. As a result, he was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. He is currently at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Gaudreau and his brother were in town to attend his sister's wedding Friday in Philadelphia, according to their wedding website .

This section will be updated as more information becomes public.

NHL world reacts to death of Johnny Gaudreau

The NHL world sent its thoughts and prayers to Gaudreau's family after the news of the tragic accident.

"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," the Blue Jackets organization said in a statement. "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."

Johnny Gaudreau nickname

Gaudreau was known amongst fans and colleagues as "Johnny Hockey."

The origin of the moniker reportedly dates back to his days at Boston College. Gaudreau's years with the Eagles coincided with NCAA football star Johnny Manziel's time at Texas A&M, where he was referred to as "Johnny Football" during his dominant run with the Aggies. Fans took the nickname of the quarterback and made it their own in hockey, dubbing Gaudreau, "Johnny Hockey."

It's a nickname that stayed with him throughout college and into the NHL.

While fans referred to him as "Johnny Hockey" his teammates at Boston College called him "Johnny Ham-and-Cheese". This was reportedly because Gaudreau was considered to be a picky eater and would only eat a plain ham-and-cheese sandwich over other food options offered to the players.

Johnny Gaudreau stats