Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, have tragically passed away, leaving the hockey community and their loved ones in deep mourning.
The NHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed the heartbreaking news on Friday, stating that Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, had died in what the team described as an “unimaginable tragedy.”
In an official statement, the Blue Jackets expressed their profound sorrow: “The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a phenomenal hockey player but, more importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Our hearts go out to his wife, Meredith, their children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, and all their family and friends who are grieving this sudden loss of Johnny and Matt.”
The team continued, highlighting Johnny’s contributions both on and off the ice: “Johnny played the game with a joy that resonated with everyone who watched him. From Boston College to the Calgary Flames, Team USA, and the Blue Jackets, he carried a deep love for hockey with him wherever he went. His electrifying play delighted fans in a way only ‘Johnny Hockey’ could. The impact he made on our organization and the sport of hockey was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on everyone who knew him. Since his arrival in Columbus two years ago, Johnny embraced our community, and Columbus embraced him in return. We will miss him dearly and will do everything in our power to support his family and one another through this difficult time.”
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The cause of death was not officially addressed by the NHL or the Blue Jackets in their statements, but reports began circulating on social media Thursday night that Johnny and Matthew were involved in a fatal accident while riding bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey, where they grew up. New Jersey State Police later confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia and other outlets that the Gaudreau brothers were struck by a vehicle while cycling on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, their hometown.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was attempting to pass a slower vehicle when he struck the Gaudreau brothers. Higgins was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny Gaudreau, widely known as “Johnny Hockey,” was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He played three standout years at Boston College, where he earned his iconic nickname and helped lead the Eagles to a national championship in 2012. Gaudreau went on to have a successful nine-season career with the Flames before making a surprising move to the Blue Jackets before the 2022-23 season.
A finalist for the Calder Trophy in 2015, Gaudreau reached new heights during his final season with Calgary in 2021-22, scoring a career-high 40 goals and amassing 115 points. Over his NHL career, he tallied 243 goals and 743 points across 763 games.
Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their two young children, Noa and Johnny, who now face an unimaginable loss. The Gaudreau family, along with the entire hockey community, are in mourning as they remember the lives of Johnny and Matthew and the impact they had on everyone who knew them.
