Blue Jackets’ Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed when struck by car
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit while riding bicycles in N.J. on Thursday night.
Thursday evening in Oldmans Township, N.J., a tragic accident claimed the lives of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. The Gaudreau brothers, riding bicycles on County Route 551, were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Sean M. Higgins. The impact proved fatal.
Higgins, 43, is facing charges of driving under the influence and two counts of death by auto. According to the affidavit, Higgins admitted to consuming several beers before and during his drive. He failed a sobriety test and is currently being held in the Salem County Correctional Facility. Higgins claims he felt the SUV had moved to prevent his passing, and his alcohol consumption contributed to his reckless actions.
The crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. ET, an hour after sunset. The Gaudreau brothers were pronounced deceased at the scene. Johnny Gaudreau, 31, had played 11 NHL seasons, while Matthew, 29, played professionally until 2022.
Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," was a beloved player and a skilled winger who earned six All-Star selections with the Calgary Flames . Despite his smaller stature, his quickness and talent made him a fan favorite. Tragically, he leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children.
Matthew Gaudreau also played professionally, most recently with the Worcester Railers. The hockey community is deeply saddened by their loss. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman mourned Johnny Gaudreau as both a talented player and a cherished family member and friend.
The Gaudreau family has deep roots in South Jersey, and the brothers had a close relationship. Johnny's parents and sisters survive them. Matthew and his wife Madeline also survive him. Katie Gaudreau's wedding was planned for Friday, where both brothers were to be groomsmen.
Tributes to the Gaudreau brothers have been pouring in, with many honoring their impact on hockey and their community. Jim Mackey, owner of the rink where the brothers trained, described them as "South Jersey legends." The Hollydell Ice Arena now displays a shrine to their memory, inspiring young players with Johnny Gaudreau's example as a player from their own community.
Johnny Gaudreau's decision to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022 was influenced by his desire to be closer to his family, who reside near the team's home base. Despite the difficult decision to leave Calgary, he ultimately chose family over career. The Blue Jackets expressed their shock and devastation at the tragedy, honoring Johnny Gaudreau as a beloved player, husband, and father.
The Blue Jackets franchise has suffered another tragic loss just three years after the death of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks. The sudden and unexpected nature of these events has left the hockey community in mourning.
Higgins, 43, is facing charges of driving under the influence and two counts of death by auto. According to the affidavit, Higgins admitted to consuming several beers before and during his drive. He failed a sobriety test and is currently being held in the Salem County Correctional Facility. Higgins claims he felt the SUV had moved to prevent his passing, and his alcohol consumption contributed to his reckless actions.
The crash occurred around 8:30 p.m. ET, an hour after sunset. The Gaudreau brothers were pronounced deceased at the scene. Johnny Gaudreau, 31, had played 11 NHL seasons, while Matthew, 29, played professionally until 2022.
Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," was a beloved player and a skilled winger who earned six All-Star selections with the Calgary Flames . Despite his smaller stature, his quickness and talent made him a fan favorite. Tragically, he leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children.
Matthew Gaudreau also played professionally, most recently with the Worcester Railers. The hockey community is deeply saddened by their loss. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman mourned Johnny Gaudreau as both a talented player and a cherished family member and friend.
The Gaudreau family has deep roots in South Jersey, and the brothers had a close relationship. Johnny's parents and sisters survive them. Matthew and his wife Madeline also survive him. Katie Gaudreau's wedding was planned for Friday, where both brothers were to be groomsmen.
Tributes to the Gaudreau brothers have been pouring in, with many honoring their impact on hockey and their community. Jim Mackey, owner of the rink where the brothers trained, described them as "South Jersey legends." The Hollydell Ice Arena now displays a shrine to their memory, inspiring young players with Johnny Gaudreau's example as a player from their own community.
Johnny Gaudreau's decision to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022 was influenced by his desire to be closer to his family, who reside near the team's home base. Despite the difficult decision to leave Calgary, he ultimately chose family over career. The Blue Jackets expressed their shock and devastation at the tragedy, honoring Johnny Gaudreau as a beloved player, husband, and father.
The Blue Jackets franchise has suffered another tragic loss just three years after the death of goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks. The sudden and unexpected nature of these events has left the hockey community in mourning.