Tragic Loss: NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau, Brother Matthew, Killed By Suspected Drunken Driver
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey. 🌐 #News #OldmansNJ #NewJersey #Sports
OLDMANS, NJ – National Hockey League Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed Thursday when they were struck by a car while riding bicycles. Gaudreau’s team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, announced their deaths Friday morning on X, formerly Twitter.
In times of unimaginable grief like this, it’s important to lean on faith and find solace in God’s promises. As we remember Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, let us pray for their family and friends, asking God to provide them with comfort and strength. May their memories inspire us to cherish every moment and hold our loved ones close.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this 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. 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.”
According to police, Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew, 29, were riding bicycles on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, Salem County shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday when they were struck by a Jeep Cherokee driven by 43-year-old Sean Higgins. Investigators believe Higgens was driving in the oncoming lane to pass a slower sedan, and hit the cyclists when he returned to the right lane.
Higgens was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, and was being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
The deadly accident occurred just one day before the brothers were set to serve as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce in Gloucester City, N.J.
Gaudreau, a New Jersey native known as “Johnny Hockey” spent 11 seasons in the NHL, playing for the Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames. He is survived by his wife Meredith, and two children Noa, 1, and Johnny, 6 months.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets said.
“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.” Leave a comment in memory of Johnny below!
Written by TMX staff, with additional reporting by Emma Smith for JackAndKitty.com.
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