NHL Forward Johnny Gaudreau, Brother Matthew Killed in Bike Accident

Johnny Gaudreau (13) of the Columbus Blue Jackets warms up prior to the start of the game against the Boston Bruins at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on Jan. 2, 2024. Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

The NHL is mourning the loss of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, who were killed in a bike accident in New Jersey on Thursday night, the team confirmed.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the team said in a statement on Friday. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matt.”

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, grew up in Salem, New Jersey. They were riding bikes on a rural road in New Jersey’s Oldmans Township at around 8:30 p.m. when they were struck by a car, according to a report by Fox 29 in Philadelphia. The driver of the car reportedly stayed on site until paramedics arrived.

Both brothers were in the area because they were expected to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding ceremony in New Jersey on Friday, followed by a reception in Philadelphia.

According to police, the driver, Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was traveling north on Pennsville Auburn Road in a Jeep Grand Cherokee when he allegedly attempted to pass a sedan and SUV and ran into the brothers. Higgins is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto, according to local police.

Johnny Gaudreau, who earned the nickname “Johnny Hockey,” played 11 seasons in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and Blue Jackets, amassing 243 goals and 743 points in 763 career games. He also played in 42 games in the postseason, scoring 11 goals.

He was a seven-time All-Star, a member of the 2015 NHL All-Rookie Team, and a 2022 NHL First-Team All-Star. Johnny Gaudreau helped lead the United States to win a silver medal at the 2010 Under-18 tournament, a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championship, and a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championship.

“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets,” officials with the Columbus Blue Jackets said in a statement.

“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.”

Johnny Gaudreau attended Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, New Jersey, and later was a standout player for Boston College, where he won the Hobey Baker Award, awarded to the NCAA’s top ice hockey player, in 2014.

Matthew Gaudreau followed in his brother’s footsteps, playing for Gloucester Catholic and Boston College.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement about the Gaudreaus.

“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 said.

“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”