Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother die in tragic accident, Columbus Blue Jackets release statement

The Columbus Blue Jackets have confirmed the tragic passing of 31-year-old forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, 29.

The brothers were reportedly killed in an accident while biking Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, which is close to their hometown of Salem in Salem County. "The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by the unimaginable tragedy," the team said in a statement. "Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend."

It continued: "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 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.

• Chris Kreider becomes Rangers hero as Hurricanes implode after Jordan Martinook's career highlight
• Colorado Avalanche rocked as Valeri Nichushkin banned for six months

"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."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also expressed his condolences to the family. "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.

"A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited."

NBA legend LeBron James also paid tribute to Gaudreau. James said on X: "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."

Gaudreau was the Blue Jackets’ top forward after signing in July 2022 as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames, and he and his brother Matthew were reportedly scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday in Philadelphia.

Gaudreau's wife, Meredith, is listed as maid-of-honor at his sister's wedding, and he is survived by his daughter Noa, and son, Johnny Edward Gaudreau. Younger brother Matthew is survived by his wife, Madeline Gaudreau, and the brothers also tragically left behind by their father, Guy, their mother, Jane, and their other sister, Kristen.