Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed last Thursday in Oldmans Township, New Jersey when a car hit them while they were riding bicycles.
When police responded to the scene at 8:19 p.m. local time, both Johnny and Matthew were pronounced dead at the scene after a driver slammed into both cyclists while they were trying to pass an SUV on the right side of the road that had moved over for them.
The driver, Sean Higgins, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. Higgins had been a high-ranking military officer who was working at a substance abuse treatment network. He is also a major in the New Jersey Army National Guard, where he has served since 2008.
The Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey to be groomsmen for their sister’s wedding that was intended to occur on Friday in Philadelphia.
Johnny Gaudreau played in 11 NHL seasons for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. He was drafted by the Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, where he made his debut in the 2013-2014 season after finishing his college career at Boston College. Gaudreau went on to make six All-Star appearances in his nine seasons with the Flames before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to the 2022-2023 season.
Despite being seen as undersized entering the NHL, Gaudreau impressed people with his skill and speed. Throughout his NHL career, Gaurdreau scored 20 or more goals six times and recorded 743 points in 763 regular season games.
Gaudreau’s brother, Matt, also played hockey at Boston College and in minor leagues such as the AHL and the ECHL.
The sports realm felt the aftermath of the tragedy. Although the NHL is currently in its offseason, several executives, coaches, and players have reminisced on their experiences with both Johnny and Matt. Several Major League Baseball franchises have also honored the Gaudreaus with the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Angels all holding a moment of silence. The Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer also honored both Gaudreau brothers.
