OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, NJ – Johnny Gaudreau, an accomplished player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his younger brother Matthew, lost their lives in a fatal car crash on Thursday evening, announced by the Blue Jackets on Friday.
The Gaudreau brothers, aged 31 and 29, were struck by a vehicle while cycling in Oldmans Township, NJ, according to police reports. Sean Higgins, the car’s driver, was reportedly trying to overtake an SUV and hit the brothers from behind in the process.
Suspicions of Higgins being under the influence emerged when he admitted to consuming “five to six” beers before the incident, as told to a state trooper. Higgins is now in custody and faces two counts of death by auto.
In its official statement, the Columbus Blue Jackets expressed extreme shock and grief over the incident, commemorating Johnny as not just an excellent hockey player but also as a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Besides his successful career, Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their two children, Noa, 1, and Johnny, 6 months old.
Born in Salem, NJ, Johnny had a prominent career in the NHL, playing for the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames over 11 seasons. Gaudreau’s acclaimed performance on the ice earned him the nickname of ‘Johnny Hockey.’
The Gaudreau brothers were set to attend their sister Katie’s wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce in Gloucester City, NJ, just a day after the tragedy.