NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed in car accident
NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother tragically passed away in a car crash in New Jersey on Thursday evening.
The Columbus Blue Jackets athlete, aged 31, along with his younger brother Matthew, 29, were cycling on a country road in Oldsman Township when a vehicle hit them, according to New Jersey law enforcement.
Authorities have arrested and charged Sean Higgins, 43, the person driving the car, with two counts of causing death in a car accident.
On Friday, he was detained at the Salem County Correctional Facility without the option of bail.
Gaudreau's team described the incident as a "devastating tragedy" in a statement.
The Columbus Blue Jackets stated that Johnny excelled not just as a hockey player, but also as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
"We want to inform everyone that we are receiving all the messages of love and support that you have sent us, and we are grateful for your ongoing thoughts and prayers," stated the family on their Facebook page.
Gaudreau's sibling, Matthew, was a fellow professional hockey player who once competed for the Reading Royals squad in Pennsylvania.
The Gaudreau siblings traveled to New Jersey to be part of their sister's wedding in Philadelphia last Friday. They were expected to be part of the wedding party as groomsmen, as reported by the Columbus Dispatch, a nearby news source.
The police stated that Mr Higgins collided with the brothers using his car from the back while trying to overtake two other vehicles on the road.
According to New Jersey police, Mr. Higgins is being held in the Salem County Correctional Facility on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Known as "Johnny Hockey", Gaudreau was a forward for the Blue Jackets, scoring 243 goals during his time in the NHL for 11 years.
Johnny Gaudreau became a member of the Ohio team in 2022, following his time playing for the Calgary Flames in Canada.
Gaudreau "brought a lot of happiness to the game which was evident to all who watched him play," according to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
"He excited fans in a unique way that only Johnny Hockey could," the team included.
Brian Burke, a longtime ice hockey executive, mentioned on X (previously known as Twitter) that Gaudreau brought a sense of warmth that spread throughout the team's locker room on a daily basis.
"Hardly any players in the history of hockey have shown the same level of passion and adoration for the sport," he remarked.
