NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, & Brother, 29, Killed While Biking After Being Hit By Drunk Driver

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed in a bike accident Thursday evening near their hometown in New Jersey, just a day before they were set to attend their sister’s wedding. Johnny Gaudreau was 31, and Matthew was 29.

According to New Jersey State Police, the Gaudreau brothers were riding bicycles on Country Route 551 North in Oldmans Township around 8 p.m. when they were struck by a vehicle. The driver, identified as Sean M. Higgins, was attempting to pass another car when the collision occurred. Authorities suspect alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto and taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing.

The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed the deaths in a statement, expressing their devastation at the loss. The organization praised Gaudreau not only for his exceptional hockey skills but also for his roles as a husband, father and friend.

“Johnny played the game with great joy,” the statement read. “He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could.”

Gaudreau, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” had a stellar career that included winning the Hobey Baker Award as the top U.S. college player in 2014 while at Boston College. He spent eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before signing a seven-year contract with Columbus in 2022. His accolades include being a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy and winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017.

Matthew Gaudreau, also a Boston College alumnus, played for several minor league teams and had recently been coaching at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey.

The tragic news has sent shockwaves through the hockey community and beyond. Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two young children: daughter Noa, who will turn 2 in October, and 7-month-old son Johnny. Matthew leaves behind his wife of three years, Madeline.