Beloved hockey star and his brother killed by accused drunk driver while biking
Hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were enjoying some time in their home state of New Jersey, preparing to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding, when tragedy struck.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were biking in Oldmans Township on Aug. 29 when police say an accused drunk driver hit them from behind on a rural road while trying to pass other vehicles.
Both brothers have died.
In a statement shared by Johnny Gaudreau’s team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the organization said it is “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. 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, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew,” the statement continued.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. 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.”
The Blue Jackets said Johnny Gaudreau would “thrill 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.”
“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 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 concluded.
Johnny Gaudreau had just celebrated his 31st birthday on Aug. 13.
He and Meredith Gaudreau had welcomed their second child, Johnny, into the world on Feb. 2.
Matthew Gaudreau was also a college hockey player. He leaves behind several family members, including a wife, Madeline Gaudreau.
The driver, identified by police as Sean M. Higgins, was arrested and faces two counts of death by auto, according to the Associated Press.
This is a developing story.