A driver suspected of being under the influence has been charged following the tragic deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother.

Both Johnny, age 31, and Matthew, age 29, lost their lives while cycling on Thursday evening in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Sean Higgins, 43, was apprehended for allegedly driving while intoxicated and has been taken to Salem County Correctional Facility. According to state police, Higgins, a resident of Woodstown, New Jersey, faces two counts of vehicular homicide related to the brothers’ deaths.

Authorities have not yet released information regarding Higgins’ initial court appearance.

Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his two young children: a daughter named Noa and a son named Johnny.

Here’s what we currently know about the incident.

Driver reportedly admitted to drinking

A police document revealed that the responding officer noticed a strong smell of alcohol on Higgins’ breath. It also stated that Higgins did not pass a sobriety test at the scene and confessed to having consumed five to six beers prior to the accident, claiming that the alcohol “played a part in his impatience and reckless driving.”

Overview of the accident involving Johnny Gaudreau

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragically died after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while cycling on a rural road in Salem County, New Jersey, where they grew up.

The brothers were biking on County Route 551 North when they were apparently hit from behind by Higgins, according to the New Jersey State Police.

At around 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Higgins was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and an SUV, along with the Gaudreau brothers. According to police, he first switched into oncoming traffic to pass the slower sedan. The SUV ahead then moved into the middle lane to safely bypass the biking brothers on their right, but Higgins tried to overtake the SUV on the right and collided with both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, fatally injuring them, according to the highway patrol.

Johnny Gaudreau was set to attend his sister’s wedding

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were in New Jersey for their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding, where they were expected to be groomsmen. Johnny’s wife, Meredith, was to be the maid of honor. As per Katie’s Instagram, a rehearsal for the wedding took place on Thursday evening, just hours before the brothers’ tragic deaths.

Statement from the Blue Jackets on Gaudreau’s passing

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event. Johnny was not only an exceptional hockey player but also a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Meredith, their children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, family, and friends on this sudden loss of both Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with immense joy, which resonated with everyone who witnessed him on the ice. His love for hockey was evident wherever he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA and the Blue Jackets.

“He brought excitement to fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. His influence on our team and the sport was significant but is eclipsed by the lasting impact he had on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community upon his arrival two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. His absence will be profoundly felt, and we will do everything possible to support his family and one another during this trying time. We ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and for their privacy as they mourn their loss.”

A Blue Jackets spokesperson indicated that the team will hold off on any further statements for now.

Calgary Flames express their condolences

Johnny Gaudreau was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL draft, spending his first nine seasons with the team.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic losses of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. Johnny will always remain a part of the Flames family and will be cherished by all of Calgary.

“We were honored to have Johnny as a teammate for nine wonderful years in Calgary. He arrived as a young player and matured here, not only as an exceptional on-ice talent but also as a cherished community member. Our grief for Johnny’s family—his wife Meredith, children Noa and Johnny, his parents Jane and Guy, sisters Kristen and Katie, and the entire Gaudreau family—is profound.

“The ownership, management, players, and staff of the Calgary Flames extend our heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s statement on Gaudreau’s passing

“The NHL community is mourning the unexpected loss of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Known for his vibrant energy and exceptional skills on the ice, which earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ Johnny was much more than just a remarkable player—he was a loving father, a cherished husband, son, brother, and teammate, touching the lives of everyone he encountered.

“Gaudreau often shared how his father taught him to skate in New Jersey, a memory that fueled his passion for the game over his 11 seasons in the NHL. As a talented playmaker, he attended the NHL All-Star Game seven times, always a fan favorite, especially during the skills competitions that showcased his incredible abilities.

“He will be greatly missed in Calgary, where he spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22. He became one of the league’s rising stars, ranking fifth in the franchise’s all-time points. His absence will also be deeply felt in Columbus, where he chose to raise his family and served as a respected leader on a team aiming for the playoffs. Additionally, both Johnny and Matthew will be honored at Boston College, where they played together the year Johnny received the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both participated and where Matthew served as head coach after his own five-year professional career.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and his sisters Kristen and Katie. We grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in the hockey world, and the countless fans globally who cherished the unforgettable moments he created both on and off the ice.”