In a devastating turn of events, Columbus Blue Jackets left winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, tragically lost their lives in a traffic crash in Oldmans Township, N.J. The New Jersey State Police revealed that the Gaudreau brothers were riding bicycles on County Route 551 when they were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee attempting to pass an SUV on a two-lane road. The driver of the Jeep hit the brothers from behind, causing fatal injuries. The incident took place around 8:30 p.m. ET, with both brothers pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the tragedy, the driver of the Jeep, Higgins, is set for a pretrial detention hearing on Sept. 5. Higgins, who was represented by a public defender at an initial appearance, expressed plans to hire his own attorney.
In a poignant moment, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, approximately 30 miles from the crash site, held a news conference focused on improving bicycle rider safety in the city. She began the conference with a moment of silence in remembrance of the Gaudreau brothers, acknowledging the pressing need to address traffic safety concerns.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, had a remarkable 11-year NHL career, notably with the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022. Known as “Johnny Hockey,” he captivated fans with his incredible quickness and playmaking abilities, earning numerous accolades and All-Star selections. Despite his small stature for the sport, Gaudreau signed a lucrative seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets, solidifying his place among the elite in the league.
Meanwhile, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, pursued a professional hockey career, most recently playing for the ECHL’s Worcester Railers in the 2021-22 season.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed shock and sadness over the tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers, highlighting Johnny’s remarkable talent and passion for the game. “Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player,” said Bettman in a statement.
The world of hockey mourns the untimely passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, celebrating their contributions to the sport while grappling with the immense loss felt by their loved ones and fans alike.
