NHL Player and His Brother Killed By Car Ahead of Sister’s Wedding

NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed in a bicycle crash on the eve of their sister’s wedding.

At a Glance

Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died after being struck by a car while riding bikes.
The incident occurred on the eve of their sister’s wedding, where they were to be groomsmen.
The driver, Sean Higgins, is suspected of being drunk and has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny Gaudreau was a renowned NHL player, leaving behind a wife and two young children.
The hockey community mourns the loss of both brothers, who were well-respected and loved.

Tragic Accident Claims Lives of NHL Star and Brother

In a heartbreaking turn of events, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in a bicycle crash on Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were struck by a vehicle while cycling on Pennsville Auburn Road, just a day before their sister Katie’s wedding, where they were set to be groomsmen. The driver, Sean Higgins, is suspected of being under the influence and has been charged with two counts of death by auto.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, Johnny’s current team, released a statement expressing their shock and devastation over the loss. The hockey community at large has been left reeling from this tragedy, with fans, teammates, and other sports figures sharing messages of condolence and support on social media.

*BREAKING*

NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and his brother have been killed in a tragic biking accident.

They were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding later today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their family.

DETAILS: https://t.co/EdCuTbeyv1 pic.twitter.com/lcwqxEXXZM

— OutKick (@Outkick) August 30, 2024

Johnny Gaudreau: A Rising Star in the NHL

Johnny Gaudreau, known affectionately as “Johnny Hockey,” was a fan favorite and rising star in the NHL. He played for the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames over 11 NHL seasons, appearing in 81 games last season and scoring 48 points. Gaudreau was a Hobey Baker Award winner in 2014 and had recently signed a seven-year contract worth nearly $69 million with the Blue Jackets in 2022.

“Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the Columbus Blue Jackets said. “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.”

Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children, Noa (1 year old) and Johnny (6 months old). His loss is not only a devastating blow to his family but also to the entire hockey community.

Matthew Gaudreau: A Coach and Former Player

Matthew Gaudreau, Johnny’s brother, also had a notable career in hockey. He played at Boston College alongside his brother and last played professionally in 2021. At the time of his death, Matthew was serving as the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High’s hockey team in New Jersey. He is survived by his wife of three years, Madeline.

“Just devastating news for all of us connected with the Gaudreau family,” Jerry York, who previously coached at Boston College, told The Associated Press. “Both Matty and Johnny were terrifically admired by all of us. Wonderful young guys, and they impressed a lot of us off ice.”

The loss of both brothers has sent shockwaves through the hockey world and beyond. As the investigation into the crash continues, the focus remains on remembering the lives and legacies of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two young men who made significant impacts both on and off the ice.