Johnny Gaudreau, the 31-year-old forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets and a seven-time NHL All-Star, was killed alongside his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, in a bicycle accident on Thursday night, August 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
The accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Pennsville Auburn Road when the Gaudreau brothers were struck by a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey.
The Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey to participate in their sister Katie’s wedding, where they were scheduled to serve as groomsmen the following day. According to the New Jersey State Police, the brothers were riding north on County Route 551 when Higgins, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, attempted to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV. Higgins crossed the southbound lanes to overtake the vehicles and struck the brothers from behind as he tried to re-enter the northbound lanes.
Both Johnny and Matthew were pronounced dead at the scene. Higgins, who was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. He is currently being held without bail at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
Johnny Gaudreau was widely recognized as one of the most skilled players in the NHL. His career spanned 11 seasons, including nine with the Calgary Flames, before signing with the Blue Jackets in 2022. He won the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top collegiate player at Boston College and was known for his dynamic offensive play. Matthew Gaudreau, who also played hockey at Boston College, pursued a professional career in the East Coast Hockey League, most recently playing for the Worcester Railers.
The hockey community grieved the tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. The Columbus Blue Jackets, the team Johnny played for, released a statement describing the shock and devastation felt by the organization. They highlighted Johnny’s importance beyond the rink, noting that he was a remarkable hockey player and a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, and friend. The statement further conveyed their sincere condolences to his wife, Meredith, their two children, Noa and Johnny, and his parents and the extended Gaudreau family, acknowledging the profound impact of this tragedy on all who knew him.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also issued a statement, acknowledging that Johnny Gaudreau’s enthusiasm for the game and his exceptional abilities on the ice had earned him the nickname “Johnny Hockey.” However, Bettman emphasized that Johnny was much more than a talented hockey player; he was also a devoted father, a cherished husband, son, brother, and teammate.
Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, their one-year-old daughter Noa, and their six-month-old son, Johnny. The couple married in September 2021, and Meredith was set to be the maid of honor at Katie’s wedding. Matthew Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Madeline, who is pregnant and due in December with their first child, to be named Tripp.
