NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed Thursday night while biking when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver, authorities said. Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when a driver attempting to pass another car fatally struck them, according to New Jersey State Police. Gaudreau’s team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, mourned the loss in a statement Friday morning. NBC News’ Stephanie Gosk has the latest. – NBC News Vid
NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, both natives of New Jersey, were tragically killed on Thursday night in a bicycle accident in Salem County, New Jersey. The incident occurred on Pennsville Auburn Road in Oldmans Township, when a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins struck the brothers while they were biking near the side of the road.
Authorities suspect that Higgins was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. According to the police, Higgins, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, attempted to pass slower-moving vehicles on the road. In doing so, he moved into the southbound lane but was blocked by an SUV that had shifted to the middle of the road to safely pass the cyclists. Higgins tried to pass the SUV on the right, hitting Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau from behind. Both brothers died from their injuries.
Johnny Gaudreau, an NHL star from South Jersey, and his brother Matthew were struck and killed by a vehicle while bicycling Thursday night.
Johnny was 31. Matthew was 29. https://t.co/p9yrRidD40
— PhillyVoice (@thephillyvoice) August 30, 2024
A police affidavit revealed that the responding officer detected a strong odor of alcohol on Higgins, who admitted to consuming five to six beers before driving. Higgins also admitted that his alcohol consumption contributed to his impatience and reckless driving. He failed a field sobriety test at the scene and has since been charged with two counts of death by auto. He is currently being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
This tragedy comes just a day before the wedding of Johnny and Matthew’s sister, Katie, where both brothers were set to be groomsmen. The family, already preparing for a joyful celebration, is now coping with unimaginable loss.
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a beloved figure in the hockey community, having played 11 seasons in the NHL, beginning with the Calgary Flames and most recently with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Johnny’s talents on the ice earned him seven NHL All-Star selections, and he was celebrated for his exceptional playmaking skills. His contributions to the game and his community were widely recognized, and he was admired not just for his athletic prowess but for his spirit and generosity.
Matthew Gaudreau, who also played professional hockey, was the head hockey coach at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both brothers had played during their youth. The Gaudreau family was deeply embedded in the local community, often giving back and staying connected to their roots.
The tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew has sent shockwaves through the hockey world. Tributes have poured in from teams and leagues, including heartfelt statements from the Philadelphia Flyers and the National Hockey League. The Columbus Blue Jackets, where Johnny most recently played, expressed their devastation over the loss of a player who was not only a star on the ice but also a cherished member of the community.
Alleged Johnny Gaudreau killer’s shocking claim to police after horror crash killed NHL star, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29 https://t.co/DoCLVbyjcZ pic.twitter.com/4Fd1gId7go
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) August 30, 2024
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two children, Noa and Johnny. Matthew leaves behind his wife, Madeline, as well as their parents, Guy and Jane, and sisters Kristen and Katie. The Gaudreau family, the hockey community, and countless fans are mourning the loss of two beloved figures.
Key Points:
i. NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed in a bicycle accident in New Jersey, involving a suspected drunk driver.
ii. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, attempted to pass vehicles recklessly and struck the brothers from behind; he has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
iii. The accident occurred just a day before their sister Katie’s wedding, where both were to be groomsmen.
iv. Johnny, known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a celebrated NHL player, while Matthew was a former professional player and head coach at their alma mater.
v. The tragedy has deeply impacted the Gaudreau family, the local community, and the hockey world, with tributes pouring in from teams and leagues.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
