‘Unimaginable tragedy’: NHL’s Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed while in N.J. for sister’s wedding

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau was fatally struck by a vehicle Thursday night while in New Jersey to attend his sister’s wedding.

Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew, a retired professional hockey player, were both killed in the crash in Salem County. 

The two brothers were in the area for their sister Katie’s wedding ceremony, which was scheduled for Friday, followed by a reception in Philadelphia. According to the sister’s wedding website, both Johnny and Matthew would serve as groomsmen.

Police said the brothers were riding bicycles in the area when they were struck by a man driving a Jeep.

Officers said the 43-year-old driver, a resident of New Jersey identified as Sean Higgins, was taken into custody, and that they believe he was under the influence of alcohol at the time. The cause of the crash is under investigation. r suspicion he was under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto.” 

The Blue Jackets released a statement Friday morning saying the team is “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.”

Fran & I offer our deepest condolences to the family of @BlueJacketsNHL‘s Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Our thoughts are also with the entire Blue Jackets organization as they mourn the loss of one of their own.

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) August 30, 2024“>

“Our thoughts are also with the entire Blue Jackets organization as they mourn the loss of one of their own,” he said.

Gaudreau was selected by the Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He enrolled at Boston College soon after, and in three seasons helped the Eagles win two NCAA National Championships in 2012 and 2014, winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as college hockey’s top men’s player.

The Flames released a statement on the news, saying Gaudreau would always be a member of the Flames family.

Lady Byng Trophy, awarded to the player who “exhibits the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.”

Gaudreau finished with a career-high 115 points with the Flames in 2021-22, tied for second in the NHL.

After nine seasons in Calgary, he signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Last season, Gaudreau finished with 12 goals and 48 assists for 60 points.  

“(Johnny) brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played,” the Blue Jackets said.

This is a developing story. More details to come…

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