Sports world reacts to death of Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau

Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed Thursday in New Jersey after reportedly being struck by a vehicle while they were riding bicycles.

The Gaudreau brothers grew up in Oldmans Township, New Jersey (where the accident occurred) and later played at Boston College. The 31-year-old Johnny led the Eagles to their most recent NCAA title in 2012 when he was a freshman playing under iconic head coach Jerry York.

"Johnny Hockey" was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft before attending Boston College.

He was a six-time All-Star with the Flames and won the 2016-17 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who "exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability" before signing with the Blue Jackets in July 2022. Johnny made his seventh and final All-Star team during the 2022-23 campaign.

When news of the tragedy broke on Friday morning, social media was flooded with reactions from former teammates, as well as media members and athletes across the entire sports world.

According to an ESPN report , police said that the driver of the vehicle that hit the Gaudreau brothers struck them from behind "while trying to pass an SUV on the right that had moved over to make way for the two cyclists." Furthermore, the report added that the driver is "suspected of being under the influence of alcohol" and has been charged with two counts of death by auto, though there is an ongoing investigation.

Johnny and Matthew were reportedly back in their hometown for their sister's wedding on Friday. They were scheduled to be groomsmen.