Johnny Gaudreau: Police suspect NHL star and brother killed by drunk driver

Police suspect that NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were struck and killed by a driver under the influence .

The Gaudreau brothers, 31 and 29, were confirmed as the two cyclists who were struck and killed by a vehicle on Thursday night in Salem County, New Jersey, on Friday morning. The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township on Thursday night.

The brothers were traveling north on County Route 551, close to the line on the side of the roadway, when police say a 43-year-old man of Woodstown, New Jersey, struck and killed them. Police say he was trying to overtake an SUV when he hit Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau from behind.

Both died from their injuries, and according to 6ABC , and the man is suspected to have been under the influence. According to the police affidavit, the trooper who arrived on the scene detected a "strong odor of alcohol."

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The man is also said to have told the trooper he had consumed "five to six beers" before the crash and told investigators that his consumption of alcohol contributed to his reckless driving. He then failed a field sobriety test, according to the trooper.

The man has been charged with two counts of death by auto, state police said, and he is being held at Salem County Correctional Facility. News of hockey forward Gaudreau's passing was confirmed on Friday morning by his team, the Columbus Blue Jacket s, and the NHL, with both releasing emotional statements.

"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."

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."

The tragedy struck just days before the brothers were due to attend one of their sister's weddings in Philadelphia. They were due to be groomsmen to their sister Katie.