U.S. Hockey Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Tragically Killed in Car Crash Before Sister’s Wedding
American hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey, just hours before they were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.
The deaths of Johnny, widely known as “Johnny Hockey” for his passionate play on the ice, and his brother Matthew have sent shockwaves through the sports community.
Johnny Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft after an impressive college career at Boston College. Most recently, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets ahead of the 2022-2023 season, where he recorded 12 goals and 48 assists. Throughout his 11-season NHL career, Gaudreau scored 243 goals, accumulated 743 points, and earned seven All-Star game appearances.
The Columbus Blue Jackets described the brothers’ deaths as an “unimaginable tragedy” in a social media post on Friday, August 30.
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were cycling on a county road in Oldmans Township, southern New Jersey, near the Delaware River at approximately 8:19 p.m. on Thursday when they were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle, driven by 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was attempting to pass two slower-moving cars when the collision occurred, according to New Jersey State Police.
Higgins has been charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide. According to State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. In a statement filed with the Salem County Superior Court, Higgins admitted to consuming 5-6 beers prior to the accident and acknowledged that his drinking contributed to his reckless driving.
Higgins made his initial court appearance on Friday but did not enter a plea. He is currently being held without bond at the Salem County Correctional Facility, with a detention hearing scheduled for September 5.
The Gaudreau brothers were supposed to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia on Friday, according to her online registry.
“Last night, we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends—but truly, two amazing humans,” their uncle, Jim Gaudreau, wrote in a family statement on Facebook. “We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.”