Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed Thursday night in New Jersey when a car hit their bicycles on a rural road. Gaudreau was 31.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement early Friday morning confirming the death.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” Bettman’s statement read. “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and exceptional skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than a dazzling hockey player; he was a loving father and husband, a beloved son, brother and teammate who was loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path.”
According to multiple reports, the Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey preparing for their sister’s wedding this weekend.
More information to come on this story.
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