Tragedy struck the sports world late Thursday evening. Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed while riding their bicycles on a rural road. An alleged drunk driver crashed into them.
The two brothers were reportedly getting ready to celebrate their sister’s wedding this weekend.
The hockey world has been reeling since news broke of the tragic incident. Gaudreau was just 31 years old at the time of his death.
Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement early Friday morning after news came out about the passing.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” Bettman’s statement read. “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.”
According to ABC 6 in Philadelphia, the accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. in Oldmans Township. This is located near the borders of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Sean Higgins, a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, N.J., was charged with two counts of death by auto.
BREAKING: Booking photo Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, NJ charged with two counts of death by auto of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. pic.twitter.com/WIh5AHGuTm
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) August 30, 2024
Teams and players all around the greater sports universe posted messages of support for Gaudreau, the Blue Jackets, and his family. There are moments bigger than sports itself and this is one of the unfortunate situations that brings communities together.
We are absolutely devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in New Jersey. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Gaudreau family, the Blue Jackets organization and the entire hockey community during this unimaginably…
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) August 30, 2024
Prior to tonight’s game, The Yankees held a moment of silence in honor of Columbus Blue Jackets Forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We join the Blue Jackets and the NHL in mourning their loss and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones 💙 pic.twitter.com/4NbcctJQ9C
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 30, 2024
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024
Insane man! 🤦🏾♂️ . I instantly got so down😔and sad🥺 after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2024
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny was a dedicated hockey player, Birds fan & cherished member of the Eagles faithful. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Gaudreau family & those impacted by this loss!#FlyJohnnyFly 🙏🏾
— Jalen Hurts (@JalenHurts) August 30, 2024
Columbus put out their own statement about the passing.
“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. 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.”
Gaudreau was a fourth-round pick by the Calgary Flames in 2011 out of Boston College. He quickly emerged as one of the better players in the NHL, helping Calgary become a dominant force on the ice and earning an All-Star berth for his contributions.
He signed with the Blue Jackets in 2022, agreeing to a seven-year, $68.25 million contract. Gaudreau tallied 33 goals and 101 assists during his two seasons with the Blue Jackets.
He will be missed heavily and our thoughts go out to all of Gaudreau’s family and friends during this horrific time.