Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed in a bike accident in New Jersey after being hit by a suspected drunk driver. The driver, Sean Higgins, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and admitted to consuming alcohol before the accident. Johnny had two young children and was in town to be a groomsman at his sister’s wedding.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were biking on a country road when Higgins allegedly hit them from behind while attempting to pass another vehicle. The brothers were fatally injured in the accident. They were in town for their sister’s wedding, where Johnny was to be a groomsman and his wife was the maid of honor. The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames, where Johnny played for nine seasons, released statements mourning their loss and expressing condolences to the Gaudreau family.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also issued a statement honoring Johnny Gaudreau as a skilled player and beloved family man. Gaudreau’s impact on his teams and the community was profound, and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Gaudreau was known for his passion for the game and his show-stopping skills on the ice, earning the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey’ during his 11 NHL seasons. His loss will be deeply felt by fans, teammates, and friends in the hockey community.
The tragic accident has shocked and devastated those who knew Johnny Gaudreau, both as a player and a person. His infectious spirit and love for the game endeared him to everyone he met. Gaudreau’s loss will be keenly felt in both Calgary and Columbus, where he had become a respected veteran player and leader. His influence also extended to his college and high school teams, where he was a standout athlete and coach, respectively.
Johnny Gaudreau’s death has left a void in the NHL community, with many expressing their condolences and sorrow at the loss of such a talented and beloved player. The circumstances of the accident, involving a suspected drunk driver, have highlighted the dangers of driving under the influence. The Gaudreau family will need the support and prayers of their friends, fans, and the hockey world as they navigate this difficult time. Gaudreau’s legacy as a player and a person will endure, and he will be remembered for his passion, skill, and love for the game.
