NBA icon LeBron James has sent his condolences to the Gaudreau family after NHL star Johnny Gaudreau died in a bike crash on Thursday night.
Gaudreau , 31, was one of the star players for the Columbus Blue Jackets and police say he was fatally struck by an SUV while riding his bike on a New Jersey roadway at approximately 8:19 p.m. ET on Thursday. Gaudreau's brother Matthew, who also played hockey, was another fatality in the accident.
The deaths were confirmed on Friday morning after the Blue Jackets released a statement, calling the incident an "unimaginable tragedy" as he still had so much to give in the NHL and leaves behind his wife and two children. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James felt inclined to send a message to Gaudreau's family after seeing the sad news.
"Insane man! I instantly got so down and sad after reading the story," James wrote on X, replying to a comment stating how unexplainable life can be. "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." The tragic deaths came the day before Gaudreau's sister was getting married in Philadelphia, with the two brothers returning home to New Jersey.
Police have also claimed that the driver of the SUV is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the fatal crash. He has since been charged with two counts of death by auto, and ABC claims that he admitted to police he had drank "five to six beers" before driving.
Both Johnny and Matthew played for Boston College before chasing a professional hockey career. Johnny was picked up in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames but quickly became a star after being named as a finalist for the Rookie of the Year Award.
Johnny was a seven-time NHL All-Star and after spending nine seasons with the Flames, he signed a seven-year deal with the Blue Jackets on the opening day of free agency in 2022. Gaudreau loved Calgary but moved back to the United States to be closer to his family, a decision the Flames respected.
Gaudreau agreed to terms on a seven-year, $68.25 million contract which was less than what the Flames offered him to stay. He also turned down desirable moves from the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders but insisted "I love it here" when choosing Columbus.
Matthew was most recently playing in the ECHL, a minor professional hockey league based in New Jersey. Upon the passing of the Gaudreau brothers, the Blue Jackets wrote in a statement: "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.
"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone who 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."
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