Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew have died, the team announced Friday.
According to Frank Seravalli of Daily FaceoffGaudreau and his brother were riding their bikes and were struck by the same vehicle. New Jersey State Police said the crash happened around 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday night in rural Salem County, New Jersey, outside Philadelphia.
The police said NJ.com which The suspected drunk driver attempted to pass two other vehicles before hitting the brothers on County Road 551.
The driver of the SUV that hit the brothers, Sean Higgins, has been charged with two counts of vehicular death and is currently being held in the Salem County Jail.
The accident is still under investigation.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31. Matthew Gaudreau was 29.
The brothers planned to attend their sister’s wedding Friday in New Jersey.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but most importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matt.
“Johnny played with great joy, which was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey with him wherever he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He excited fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our game was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. He will be terribly missed and we will do everything we can to support his family and each other during this tragedy.”
“At this time, we ask that prayers be offered to the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected during their time of mourning.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement after the news was confirmed.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and his breathtaking skills on the ice earned him the nickname “Johnny Hockey,” he was more than a dazzling hockey player; he was a loving father and husband, a beloved son, brother and teammate who was loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path.
“Gaudreau often spoke of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A gifted playmaker, Gaudreau made the NHL All-Star Game seven times, where he was always a fan favourite, particularly when showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.
“He will be fondly remembered in…