The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement early Friday after NHL star John “Johnny Hockey” Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew Gaudreau were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey, police said.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the statement posted on X said. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but most importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
“The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on all who knew him,” the statement continued.
The team’s full statement can be found below.
John Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were riding their bicycles north on County Road 551 in Oldmans Township at 8:19 p.m. Thursday. At the same time, Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee north on County Road 551, investigators said.
Higgins attempted to pass two vehicles in front of him and crossed into the southbound lanes, police said. An SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the northbound and southbound lanes in order to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers as they rode bicycles on the right side of the road, investigators said.
Higgins then tried to pass the SUV and struck the Gaudreau brothers, police said. Both brothers died from their injuries.
According to reports, the brothers were in town for their sister’s wedding on Friday night.
Investigators said Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with two counts of death by motor vehicle accident and is currently incarcerated at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
John Gaudreau was born in Salem, New Jersey and raised in Carneys Point Township, New Jersey. He played for the Boston College Eagles from 2011 to 2014 and was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
He was named the 2014 Hobey Baker Award winner as the NCAA’s top player.
Gaudreau entered the NHL in 2014 and played for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2015 and has been named to the NHL All-Star Team seven times. He was also named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 2022.
