Gaudreau brothers the victim of HEINOUS motor vehicle collision
A crippling Thursday night rumour soon became reality on Friday morning when it was confirmed that brothers John (Johnny) and Matthew (Matty) Gaudreau were victims of a fatal collision in the evening hours on Thursday in New Jersey.
The Gaudreau brothers were cycling in Salem County when they were struck by a vehicle.
New Jersey State Police say a man driving in the same direction attempted to pass two slower vehicles on the right hand side, after the two vehicles moved over to the left, allegedly making room for the cyclists - striking them both from behind. Both Johnny and Matty were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police identified the driver as Sean M. Higgins, who was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time. Higgins has been charged with two counts of Death by Automobile. He is currently held up in the Salem County Correctional Facility.
The brothers were in their home state of New Jersey to celebrate their sister’s wedding, which was set for Friday in Philadelphia, where they were scheduled to be groomsmen.
“Johnny Hockey” spent 11 years in the NHL, nine with the Calgary Flames, and two with Columbus. He was a six-time 20-goal-scorer, eclipsing 60 points in eight of his 11 seasons.
"He was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path," said commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement released by the NHL.
Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children—his daughter, Noa, and son, Johnny Jr.
“Completely gutted. The world just lost one of the best,” said Flames forward and former teammate Blake Coleman on X. “RIP Johnny.”
Former Calgary Flames General Manager Brian Burke also took to X to reflect on Gaudreau’s time in Calgary. “What I will remember most was his happiness, enthusiasm, and kindness that radiated out through the locker room every day,” said Burke.
Matty Gaudreau played for Boston College in the NCAA, following his brother’s footsteps. He spent time in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Stockton Heat—most recently playing in the ECHL with the Worcester Railers. He spent the last two years as the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, New Jersey—where the two brothers played in high school.
The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement on X Friday morning, calling the event an “Unimaginable tragedy”.
“The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the inedible impression he made on everyone who knew him,” the Blue Jackets said in their statement.
"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers ... two friends, but truly two amazing humans," said uncle Jim Gaudreau in a family statement released Friday afternoon.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages and love and support. We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued privacy during this very difficult period of grief."
Johnny was 31, Matty was 29.
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