Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday, August 29 while bike riding in New Jersey.
The two brothers were in New Jersey preparing for their sister's wedding, which was scheduled for Aug. 30, according to a wedding website.
Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29.
Both brothers were listed as groomsmen for the ceremony, according to PEOPLE magazine.
Johnny Gaudreau, and Matthew Gaudreau, were cycling in Salem County, "close to the fog line of the roadway," when they were hit from behind by a driver who was trying to pass another car, according to New Jersey State Police.
According to police, the driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, had been trying to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV in front of him in the northbound lanes, so he moved to the southbound lanes and passed the sedan.
Higgins was trying to re-enter the northbound lane "when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass" the cyclists, police said.
Higgins then allegedly tried to pass the SUV on the right, and that's when he struck the brothers, according to police.
Higgins told police he had about 5 or 6 beers before the crash, and failed a field sobriety test, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Higgins told authorities that his drinking "contributed to his impatience and reckless driving," the probable cause affidavit said.
Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto, according to police.
Matthew and Madeline Gaudreau
MATTHEW GAUDREAU/INSTAGRAM
Their love for ice hockey -
Both Johnny and Matthew discovered their love for hockey in the rinks of South Jersey, according to Governor Murphy of New Jersey - both brothers went on to play hockey at Boston College and later Johnny went on to play NHL for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Johnny played for the Columbus Blue Jackets - nicknamed "Johnny Hockey"
Johnny Gaudreau, a winger, won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the best player in college hockey. He was also a finalist for the Calder Trophy, given to the league's best rookie, in 2014-15, and named to the All-Star Game in 2015. He played nine seasons for the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets before the 2022-23 season. He had 12 goals and 48 assists last season.
In a statement from the Blue Jackets, the team said they are "shocked and devastated" by the tragic news. "We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve," the statement read.
Johnny Gaudreau
"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice," the Blue Jackets said. "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. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him."
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, "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."
In a tweet on X, Jalen Hurts said, "I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny was a dedicated hockey player, Birds fan & cherished member of the Eagles faithful. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Gaudreau family & those impacted by this loss!"
Madeline Gaudreau, the wife of Matthew Gaudreau is pregnant with the couple's first child, according to PEOPLE magazine.
GoFundMe page set up to support Madeline and the baby:
A baby registry in Madeline and Matthew's names lists a due date as Dec. 31, 2024 and a verified GoFundMe page was set up on Friday, Aug. 30 to support Madeline and the baby, whose name will be Tripp.
The GoFundMe page says, "We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that the Gaudreau family has experienced a tragic and unfathomable loss. On August 29, 2024, a car accident took the lives of Matthew and his brother John"
"In this unimaginably difficult time, we are coming together to support Matthew's wife, Madeline and their growing baby Tripp, and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. Your support will allow them the time to take off work to grieve and heal as a family."
Matthew and Madeline Gaudreau.
Additionally, a statement provided to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche by the brothers' uncle Jim Gaudreau says the family is grieving the loss of "two fathers."
"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans," the family's statement, provided by Jim, said.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief."
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two children - daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, 7 months.
The brothers also leave behind their parents and two sisters.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and loved ones, and all in the NHL.
Statement from Governor Murphy of New Jersey
Philadelphia Flyers statement
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