Former Calgary Flames player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, tragically lost their lives in a collision in New Jersey on Thursday night.
According to a statement from the New Jersey State Police, the brothers were riding their bikes in Salem County shortly before 8:20 p.m. when they were struck by an SUV. Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, 29, suffered fatal injuries in the accident. Police indicated that the driver of the vehicle was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
Sean M. Higgins, 43, from Woodstown, N.J., was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. He was taken into custody at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement early Friday morning, expressing the league’s shock and sadness over 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 devoted father, beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who touched the lives of everyone who knew him.”
Gaudreau, a native of Salem, New Jersey, played with the Calgary Flames from 2013 to 2022. The Flames released a statement, saying, “Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was, and always will be, a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.”
The statement continued, “He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice but also as a beloved member of our community. The pain we feel for Gaudreau’s family is immense. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Most recently, Gaudreau was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team also issued a statement, saying, “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, and their entire family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
The Blue Jackets emphasized Gaudreau’s passion for the game and the impact he had on the community: “He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. 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 we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.”
