Columbus Blue Jackets star player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, tragically lost their lives Thursday night, according to the team’s announcement. They were cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their hometown of Salem County when the incident occurred.

At 31, Gaudreau was recognized as the leading forward for the Blue Jackets after joining the team in July 2022 as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames. A post on a popular wedding customization site revealed that Johnny and Matthew were set to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia on Friday. Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their two young children, a daughter named Noa and a son named Johnny, both born in Columbus.

What happened to Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau?

According to details from New Jersey State Police, the Gaudreau brothers were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding on a country road. Matthew was 29 years old.

The driver, Sean Higgins, 43, is believed to have been intoxicated and faces charges of two counts of death by auto. He has been taken to Salem County Correctional Facility, although authorities have yet to announce when he will appear in court.

Police reported that Higgins, who hails from Woodstown, New Jersey, was driving north on a county road in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, trailing behind a sedan and an SUV.

As he attempted to overtake the slower vehicles, he moved into oncoming traffic, passed the sedan, and tried to return to his lane. The SUV in front shifted to the middle of the road to allow the Gaudreau brothers to pass safely on the right.

Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right, colliding with the two cyclists and causing fatal injuries to the brothers.

Statement from the Blue Jackets

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are heartbroken and in disbelief over this unimaginable loss. Johnny was an exceptional hockey player who also cherished his roles as a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Meredith, their children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, and loved ones during this sudden tragedy. Johnny played with infectious joy, which resonated with all who watched him on the ice. His passion for hockey was evident wherever he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames, Team USA, and the Blue Jackets.

“He captivated fans like only Johnny Hockey could. His influence on our team and the sport was immense, but it pales in comparison to the lasting impact he made on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Upon arriving in Columbus two years ago, Johnny embraced our community wholeheartedly, and we welcomed him with open arms. His absence will be profoundly felt, and we are committed to supporting his family and each other during this difficult time. We ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and for privacy as they mourn.”

A spokesperson for the Blue Jackets indicated that no further comments will be released at this time.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman comments

“The NHL community is stunned and saddened by the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. While Johnny’s enthusiasm for hockey and his extraordinary skills on the rink earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was much more than an outstanding athlete; he was a devoted father, cherished husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Johnny frequently shared how his father taught him to skate in their home state of New Jersey, and he carried that unrelenting passion throughout his eleven seasons in the NHL. A talented playmaker, he made seven appearances at the NHL All-Star Game, where he consistently delighted fans, especially during the skill competitions.

“His time in Calgary, where he spent his first nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22, left a significant mark as he rose as one of the League’s standout young talents, ranking fifth in franchise history for career points. His impact will also be deeply felt in Columbus, where he chose to settle and contribute as a respected veteran leader on a team targeting the playoffs. Both Johnny and Matthew will be missed at Boston College, where they played together during Johnny’s 2013-14 Hobey Baker Award-winning season, as well as at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where they were teammates and Matthew later served as head coach following a five-year professional hockey career.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Meredith, their children Noa and Johnny, his parents Guy and Jane, and his sisters Kristen and Katie. We join in mourning with them and everyone who loved Johnny and Matthew.”

His teammates, those from the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, along with his many friends in hockey and countless fans worldwide, all remember him for the unforgettable moments he created both on and off the ice.

Gaudreau’s Hockey Legacy

Gaudreau’s passing comes three years after Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks tragically lost his life in a fireworks accident on July 4, 2021, in Novi, Michigan, at the residence of Manny Legacy, the team’s former goalie coach.

After enduring two unsatisfactory seasons, Gaudreau aimed for a comeback this summer, fueled by his offseason preparation. In May, he represented the United States at the men’s world championships in Czechia, where he showcased his skills by scoring three goals, providing eight assists, and amassing 11 points in eight games — finishing third in team scoring and tying for fourth in the overall tournament.

During the previous season, he topped the Blue Jackets’ scoring chart with a record of 12-48-60 over 81 games, marking his second consecutive year leading the team in points. However, this represented a decrease of 14 points compared to his first season with Columbus (2022-23) and was 55 points lower than his final season with Calgary, which preceded his surprising choice to sign a seven-year contract worth $68.25 million with the Blue Jackets in July 2022.

His decision received backlash across the NHL, particularly in Calgary. Nonetheless, Gaudreau remained steadfast in his primary motivation for joining the Blue Jackets — he and his partner, Meredith, wished to raise their children in Columbus, which is closer to their home in New Jersey. Additionally, he was greatly encouraged by the Blue Jackets fans, who consistently supported the team despite numerous losses over the past two years.

Gaudreau’s ambition was to provide the fans with more reasons to celebrate. This vision received a boost on July 1 when the Blue Jackets signed center Sean Monahan, a dear friend and former teammate from the Flames. As training camp approached, new coach Dean Evason seemed to have filled two of the three forward spots on the top line, with Gaudreau on the left wing and Monahan at center. However, just a week after trading Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens, a significant gap remains in the lineup with a lack of proven elite wingers, and an even larger void now exists in the hearts of Gaudreau’s family, teammates, and all who knew him.