Star NHL Player And His Brother Die In Bicycle Accident Day Before Sister’s Wedding

Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew died in an “unimaginable tragedy” on Thursday night when they were struck by a vehicle while cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

Johnny, an 11-year NHL veteran, and Matthew, a former minor league hockey player, were hit from behind by the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, who police suspect was under the influence of alcohol, ESPN reported. According to The Daily Mail, the fatal accident occurred on the eve of the Gaudreaus’ sister Katie’s wedding.

Police said the driver of the Jeep was attempting to pass a vehicle on the right that had moved over to make room for the Gaudreau brothers. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto.

The Blue Jackets released a statement after the deaths of Johnny and Matthew, calling the accident an “unimaginable tragedy.”

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“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” the team said. “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.”

Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children — an almost 2-year-old and a 6-month-old baby. The couple married in 2021.

“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,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.

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Both brothers played collegiate hockey for Boston College. Johnny led the Eagles to a national championship in 2012, and in 2014, he won the award for the top college hockey player in the country. Johnny was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. He played nine seasons in Calgary before signing with Columbus before the 2022-2023 season. Johnny was an All-Star in 2023. Matthew most recently played for the Worcester Railers in the ECHL in the 2021-2022 season.