Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were reportedly killed in a cycling accident with a drunk driver on Thursday night in New Jersey.
Johnny, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matt were scheduled to stand as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding, which was set to take place on Friday in Philadelphia.
New Jersey State Police stated that the Gaudreau brothers were cycling down the road when Sean Higgins, 43, attempted to drive past them and struck them from behind, according to Fox News.
Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto and was being held without bond at the Salem County Correctional Facility as of Friday morning, with State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron stating in a news release that “Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol,” per CNN.
The Blue Jackets wrote in a statement that the organization is “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” adding that Gaudreau 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,” continued the statement.
“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. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”
Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, spending the first nine years of his career with the organization before signing with Columbus ahead of the 2022-2023 season.
During his 11 seasons in the league, Gaudreau tallied 243 career goals and 500 assists, helping his teams remain competitive.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in his own statement that Gaudreau had an “infectious spirit” for the game but was also “more than just a dazzling hockey player,” writing that he was a “father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited,” he added, per CBS News.