Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau beams with wife in tragic final pic before he died – hours before sister’s wedding

JOHNNY Gaudreau, the star forward of the Columbus Blue Jackets better known as Johnny Hockey, is seen beaming next to his wife and children in a tragic final photo before he and his brother were hit and killed by a car.

Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were killed Thursday night while biking in Oldmans Township, close to their hometown in Salem County, New Jersey .

Instagram/meredithgaudreau_

Reuters

Instagram/meredithgaudreau_

Gaudreau’s wife Meredith, 32, posted several photos with their two children, daughter Noa and son Johnny.

Meredith posted several pictures of the couple’s family on her Instagram account highlighting some of the family’s milestones.

She posted a picture celebrating the birth of their son Johnny which came just 26 weeks before Gaudreau’s tragic death.

Meredith shared her joy captioning the post, “It’s a boy!! On 2/22/24 Johnny Edward Gaudreau was born at 7:11 pm weighing 7lb 11oz, Love you @johngaudreau03 – 2 under 2 life here we comeeee.”

The Instagram also contained multiple snaps with Gaudreau after Columbus Blue Jackets games with their children.

While Johnny and Matthew were biking, Sean Higgins, 43, was driving on County Route 551, the same route as the two brothers, in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, officials said.

An SUV driving in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the road to avoid colliding with Johnny and Matthew, police said.

Higgins tried to pass the SUV and hit Gaudreau and his brother, officials said.

Both brothers died from the injuries sustained in the collision.

The accident occurred at around 8:30 pm, police said.

Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police.

The 43-year-old was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.

He is currently being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Both brothers were set to serve as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday in Philadelphia.

Full statment from Columbus Blue Jackets

“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 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.”

The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement on Friday morning confirming the sad news.

“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.”

In a tribute to the player nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” the team praised his “genuine love” for the sport and the “great joy” that he played with.

“He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound.”

Multiple NHL fans rushed to the post and shared their condolences.

NHL FANS MOURN GAUDREAU

“Wow, this is gut-wrenching Rest in peace, Johnny and Matthew,” one fan commented.

“The hockey world will be hurting for a long time,” said a second.

“The hockey family is with you, sending all our love and strength to the Gaudreau family,” a third fan wrote, adding a blue heart emoji.

“Johnny Gaudreau will forever be an NHL legend. Rest in peace,” said a fourth.

“Absolutely heartbreaking. Praying for the Gaudreau family,” a fifth fan said, adding a broken heart emoji.

Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

He entered the NHL in 2014 and took the ice for the Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets during his career.

The 31-year-old hockey star accomplished a lot in the NHL.

He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2015 and was a 7-time NHL All-Star and was also named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 2022.

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