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Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and younger brother Matthew were tragically killed in a bike accident in New Jersey on Thursday night.
Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran who had spent the last two seasons with the Blue Jackets, was believed to have been cycling with Matthew, 29, in Oldmans Township when the fatal crash occurred at around 8:30pm.
The two brothers were struck and killed by another vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane, according to details from local news station 6 ABC. The driver is said to have stayed at the scene after the accident.
It is believed they died on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding.
Johnny leaves behind wife Meredith, whom he married in September 2021, and two young children in one-year-old daughter Noa and baby boy Johnny Jr, who has born just six months ago.
Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau was tragically killed in a bicycle accident with his brother on Thursday (Pictured: Gaudreau with wife Meredith and their two children)
Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran, had spent the last two seasons with the Blue Jackets
Columbus released a statement confirming their player’s passing on Friday morning, admitting they will ‘miss him terribly’ while expressing their sympathy for his family.
‘The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,’ the statement reads. ‘Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympatheis to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.’
‘Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.
‘Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.
‘At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.’
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement after the death of the Gaudreau brothers, saying the league is ‘shocked and saddened’ by the tragic news.
‘While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey’, he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path,’ Bettman said.
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