Columbus Blue Jackets hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew have died.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, the NHL star, 31, and Matthew, 29, died in a biking accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, close to their hometown of Salem County, PEOPLE has confirmed. They were reportedly in their hometown to serve as groomsmen in their sister’s wedding on Friday, according to a wedding website.
Johnny and Matthew were biking on Country Route 551 North just after 8 p.m. when a driver suspected to be under the influence of alcohol attempted to pass another car and fatally hit the brothers, New Jersey State Police says. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was charged with two counts of death by auto and arrested, and the investigation is ongoing, police said.
The Blue Jackets confirmed the deaths in a statement shared to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday, Aug. 30.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. 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,” the statement read.
Johnny Gaudreau.
Jason Mowry/Getty
“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. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could,” it continued.
The team shared, “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,” the message concluded.
Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau.
Johnny gaudreau/instagram
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two kids — daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, 7 months.
Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau after the birth of their daughter Noa in Oct. 2022.
Columbus Blue Jackets/Instagram
Both brothers played at Boston College, before Johnny — who won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014, given to the best college hockey player — went pro and was drafted by the Calgary Flames. Known as “Johnny Hockey” for his elite play, Johnny was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, the NHL’s award for the best rookie, and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017 as the league’s best offensive performer with top sportsmanship. After eight seasons with the Flames, Gaudreau signed a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.
Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau.
Matty Gaudreau/instagram
Matthew graduated from Boston College in 2017 and went on to play for several minor league teams, most recently the Worcester Railers in 2022. He had been the head coach of their high school team, Gloucester Catholic High in New Jersey, over the last two years, according to Elite Prospects.
Matthew is survived by his wife of three years, Madeline.
