Johnny Gaudreau, a veteran NHL forward with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were killed in a bicycle accident on Thursday night in Salem County, New Jersey. The crash occurred on County Route 551 when a Jeep driven by 43-year-old Sean Higgins attempted to pass two slower-moving vehicles.
The brothers, riding near the edge of the road, were struck when Higgins, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, tried to re-enter the right lane. Both Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Higgins, from Woodstown, N.J., was taken into custody and charged with two counts of death by auto. Authorities report that Higgins admitted to consuming several beers before the crash.
Johnny Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” had a distinguished career in the NHL, including nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets. His brother Matthew also had a professional hockey career, playing in various minor leagues.
The Gaudreau family, deeply rooted in South Jersey, has long been associated with hockey. Both brothers played at Gloucester Catholic High School and Boston College, where Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued statements expressing their shock and grief over the tragedy, remembering Johnny as a talented player and beloved family man.
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