NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, tragically lost their lives in a biking accident on Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The Gaudreau brothers were hit by a suspected drunk driver, identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, who was charged with two counts of death by auto. The driver was alleged to have been under the influence of alcohol and admitted to consuming five to six beers before the accident. Authorities confirmed that Higgins was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility following the incident. Despite the ongoing investigation, it is unclear whether Higgins has retained legal representation at this time.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, Johnny Gaudreau’s team in Ohio, expressed shock and devastation at the news of his passing. The team paid tribute to Johnny not only as a talented hockey player but also as a devoted family man. Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their children, Noa and Johnny, along with his parents and other family members. Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau was known for his offensive prowess and exceptional scoring ability. He played alongside his brother at Boston College before being drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011. Gaudreau went on to become a fan favorite and was selected for the NHL All-Star Game seven times.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Johnny Gaudreau for his skillful playmaking on the ice and his enduring passion for the game that he inherited from his father, who taught him to skate in New Jersey as a child. Gaudreau’s contributions to the NHL All-Star Game, particularly in skills competitions, endeared him to fans throughout his 11 seasons in the league. In 2022, Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he was set to enter his third season with the team before the tragic bike accident took his life. The circumstances of the crash are still under investigation by law enforcement.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine expressed his condolences to the Gaudreau family and the entire Columbus Blue Jackets organization following the devastating loss of Johnny and Matthew. The community, as well as fans of Johnny’s hockey career, mourn the tragic loss of two brothers whose lives were cut short in a senseless accident. The broader impact of this loss is felt not only by those closest to Johnny and Matthew but also by the hockey community as a whole. The untimely deaths of these beloved brothers serve as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the need for accountability in preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As friends, family, fans, and colleagues come to terms with the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, the legacy of their lives and their impact on the hockey world will endure. Johnny’s skill and passion for the game, coupled with his family’s bond and the memories they shared together, will be remembered fondly by those who knew and loved them. The outpouring of support and sympathy from the hockey community and beyond is a testament to the lasting impact that Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had on those around them. Despite the sorrow and grief that accompanies their passing, their memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were touched by their lives.
