Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were the victims of a fatal collision heading into the weekend, with both of them succumbing to injuries after being struck by a car while biking on Thursday evening.
According to FOX 29, the brothers had been riding in Oldsman Township, New Jersey, when they were hit.
Johnny was 31; Matthew was 29.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team announced on Friday morning. “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.”
Gaudreau played in the NHL for 11 years, having been drafted by the Calgary Flames before moving to Columbus.
He made 81 appearances for the latter last season, racking up 48 points.
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Johnny and Matthew were supposed to have been groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding in Gloucester City, NJ, this weekend.
The NHL star leaves his wife Meredith behind, as well as one-year-old son Noa and six-month-old Johnny.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets added. “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.”
The driver who killed Gaudreau, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, remained at the scene after the crash. He has been charged with two counts of death by auto and is suspected to have been driving under the influence of alcohol.
TPS extends condolences to Johnny’s family, friends, loved ones, and teammates.
R.I.P., Johnny, and Matthew.
