In a tragic and heartbreaking accident, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, was killed along with his younger brother Matthew, 29, just hours before his sister’s wedding.
Johnny Gaudreau the NHL Star and His Brother Were Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver
Johnny, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ star player, and his little brother were biking in Oldmans Township at 8:19 PM when they were hit from behind by a suspected drunk driver.
Katie Gaudreau and Devin Joyce’s wedding is scheduled to take place today at noon in a church in New Jersey. Johnny was even able to attend the wedding rehearsal a few hours before the terrible tragedy that impacted his family and the sports community.
Authorities reported that both victims suffered severe injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Sean Higgins, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter in connection with the accident.
The news of their deaths has elicited an outpouring of grief and condolences from across the hockey community:
The Columbus Blue Jackets Stated on X “Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played… The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.”
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
Calgary Flames also stated on social media saying that: “It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community”.
Johnny Gaudreau’s career was marked by his exceptional skill and passion for the game. From his early days at Boston College to his time with the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets, he left an indelible mark on the sport.
His brother, Matthew, also shared a love for hockey, making their loss even more poignant for the community.
The Gaudreau family, friends, teammates, and fans are left to mourn the loss of two remarkable individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.
The hockey world will remember Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau not only for their contributions on the ice but for the joy and kindness they brought to everyone who knew them.
