NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles on a New Jersey road, officials reported. The accident occurred just hours before they were set to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.
The sports world is in mourning following the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau, known for his on-ice energy and off-ice generosity, and his brother Matthew. The Columbus Blue Jackets, Gaudreau’s team, described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy” in a social media post on Friday.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were cycling around 8:19 p.m. Thursday on a county road in Oldmans Township, a southern New Jersey community near the Delaware River. They were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was trying to overtake two slower-moving vehicles, according to New Jersey State Police.
The driver of the Jeep, identified by police as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, faces two counts of death by auto. According to State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, Higgins is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
A probable cause affidavit submitted to the Salem County Superior Court on Friday revealed that Higgins admitted to drinking about 5-6 beers before the crash. The affidavit also noted that Higgins acknowledged his alcohol consumption contributed to his impatience and reckless driving, leading to the accident.
Higgins appeared in court for the first time on Friday afternoon but did not enter a plea, according to Crystal Harris, the Salem County court criminal division manager. He is currently held without bond at the Salem County Correctional Facility and is scheduled for a detention hearing on September 5, Harris added.
The Gaudreau brothers were set to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia on Friday afternoon, as listed on her registry page at TheKnot.com.
In a family statement on Facebook, their uncle Jim Gaudreau expressed the profound loss: “Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, and two friends—truly two amazing individuals.” He thanked everyone for their messages of support and continued thoughts and prayers.
Johnny Gaudreau, drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft from Boston College, joined the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2022-2023 season, where he scored 12 goals and provided 48 assists last year.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss. Johnny was not only an exceptional hockey player but also a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Meredith, their children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, and all his family and friends on the sudden passing of Johnny and Matthew,” the Blue Jackets said in their statement.
“Johnny played the game with a unique joy that was evident to everyone who watched him. His genuine passion for hockey shone through wherever he played—from Boston College to the Calgary Flames, Team USA, and the Blue Jackets. He captivated fans with a style of play that only Johnny Hockey could deliver.
“The impact he made on our organization and the sport was significant, but it is nothing compared to the lasting impression he left on all who knew him,” the statement added.
Over 11 seasons in the league, Gaudreau accumulated 243 career goals and 743 points, and was selected for seven All-Star games.
“The NHL community is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets and his brother Matthew,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated.
“Johnny’s vibrant enthusiasm for the game and his impressive skills earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey.’ However, he was more than just a remarkable hockey player; he was a devoted father, cherished husband, son, brother, and teammate who touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” Bettman said.
Veteran NHL executive Brian Burke remarked on X that Gaudreau’s “kindness shone through the locker room every day” and that few players in hockey history matched his passion and love for the game.
“Johnny was always eager to contribute to his community,” Burke added. “Whenever we had charity requests, we knew he would respond with a wholehearted ‘yes.’”
Matthew Gaudreau had returned to their alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, in 2022 to coach the ice hockey team, a role he held until this summer.
“Johnny and Matt were outstanding hockey players and students, but even more remarkable as individuals,” said Principal Thomas Iacovene Jr. in a statement from the school. “Their loss will be profoundly felt by the entire Gloucester Catholic community and by me personally.”
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