Columbus Blue Jackets Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Matthew Tragically Killed in New Jersey Bike Accident
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew, 29, have tragically died in a biking accident. The fatal incident occurred on Thursday, August 29, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their hometown of Salem County, as confirmed by PEOPLE. The brothers were in town to serve as groomsmen for their sister’s wedding, scheduled for Friday, according to reports.
The accident happened just after 8 p.m. on County Route 551 North. New Jersey State Police reported that a driver, Sean M. Higgins, suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, attempted to pass another vehicle and struck the Gaudreau brothers, killing them both. Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto, and an investigation is ongoing.
The Columbus Blue Jackets issued a statement on Friday, August 30, expressing their profound shock and sadness over the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
The flowers are starting to pour in at Nationwide Arena with a banner that says “In loving memory of Johnny Gaudreau”.
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) August 30, 2024
All of that below the banner of Johnny. As every fan passes by, no one talks about the goals, each shares the amazing person Johnny was. pic.twitter.com/lfXoIU7EZR
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
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only an exceptional hockey player but also a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, and their entire family,” the statement read.
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as "Johnny Hockey," was a celebrated figure in the sport. He played with joy and passion, leaving a lasting impact from his college days at Boston College to his professional career with the Calgary Flames and, most recently, the Columbus Blue Jackets. He won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the best college hockey player and was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy and winner of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017. In 2022, Johnny signed a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets.
Matthew Gaudreau, who also played at Boston College, graduated in 2017 and pursued a career in minor league hockey, most recently with the Worcester Railers in 2022. For the past two years, he served as the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School’s hockey team in New Jersey. Matthew is survived by his wife, Madeline, to whom he had been married for three years.
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