NHL's Johnny Gaudreau, brother, killed by suspected drunk driver night before sister's wedding

Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother, Matthew, died after being struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes in Salem County, N.J., New Jersey State Police confirmed Friday.

Police said the driver of that vehicle, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was "suspected of being under the influence of alcohol" and has been charged with two counts of death by auto as a result of the incident, which occurred Thursday. He was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility.

The Gaudreau brothers were set to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding Friday in Philadelphia.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," the Blue Jackets said in a statement. "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."

Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said Friday that officers responded to the scene at 8:19 p.m. EDT Thursday to Count Route 551 North, milepost 11.1, in Oldmans Township. They determined that the Gaudreaus were traveling north on CR 551, close to the fog line of the road, when Higgins was driving the same direction in a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

A preliminary police investigation found that Higgins tried to pass two cars and entered the southbound lane before attempting to get back into the northbound lane.

Police said one of the cars he attempted to pass then moved into the middle of the road. Higgins went to his right to pass and then struck the cyclists from behind.

"As a result of the collision, the two pedalcyclists sustained fatal injuries," Lebron said in a statement. "Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, charged with two counts of death by auto, and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility."

Johnny Gaudreau, a 2021-22 All-Star, was a fourth-round pick by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL Draft. The former Boston College star spent nine seasons with the Flames. He totaled career-highs in goals (40) and assists (75) in his final season with the Flames.

He signed with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in 2022. Gaudreau appeared in 161 games over his last two seasons with the Blue Jackets. He totaled 33 goals and 101 assists over that span.

Gaudreau also was awarded the 2016-17 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which writers give to the NHL player who exhibits the "best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability."

"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.

"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.

"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.

"He will be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he played his first nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22, emerging as one of our League's brightest young stars while compiling the franchise's fifth-highest career points total.

"His loss also will be felt profoundly in Columbus, the city in which he chose to settle his family and where he was one of the respected, veteran leaders of a club building toward the playoffs."

"And both Johnny and Matthew will be mourned at Boston College, where they were teammates the year Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both played and where Matthew was the head hockey coach following his own five-year pro playing career."

Matthew Gaudreau played with his brother at Boston College. He also played for the ECHL and AHL affiliates of the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and Flames, but never appeared in an NHL game.

"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," Bettman said.

"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."