Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau dead in New Jersey bike accident

 

Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, tragically passed away Thursday night, the team confirmed. The brothers were biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their hometown in Salem County, when they were struck by a vehicle.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, was a key player for the Blue Jackets, having joined the team in July 2022 as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames. The brothers were set to be groomsmen at their sister's wedding in Philadelphia the following day, according to a post on a popular wedding site. Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their two young children, Noa and Johnny, both born in Columbus.

The New Jersey State Police reported that the Gaudreau brothers were killed when a suspected drunk driver, Sean Higgins, crashed into them on a rural road. Matthew Gaudreau was 29 years old. Higgins, 43, from Woodstown, New Jersey, was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto and is currently held at the Salem County Correctional Facility. His court appearance is yet to be scheduled.

According to police, Higgins was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound behind a sedan and an SUV around 8:20 p.m. He attempted to overtake the slower-moving vehicles by entering the southbound lanes. The SUV ahead of him moved to the middle of the road to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers, who were biking on the right side. Higgins tried to pass the SUV on the right, striking the brothers from behind, causing fatal injuries.

In a statement, the Blue Jackets expressed their shock and devastation: "Johnny was not only a great hockey player but also a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, and the entire Gaudreau family. Johnny played the game with great joy, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We ask for privacy for the Gaudreau family as they grieve."

The tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau comes just three years after the Blue Jackets lost goalie Matiss Kivlenieks in a fireworks accident in July 2021.

Gaudreau, who had faced two challenging seasons with the Blue Jackets, had planned to make a strong comeback this year. He recently impressed at the men’s world championships in Czechia, scoring three goals, eight assists, and 11 points in eight games. Last season, he led the Blue Jackets with 12 goals, 48 assists, and 60 points in 81 games, though this was a drop from his previous seasons.

His decision to sign a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets in 2022 was met with criticism, especially in Calgary, but Gaudreau remained committed to raising his family in Columbus, closer to their New Jersey roots. As the Blue Jackets head into a new season, they face the challenge of filling the void left by Gaudreau's untimely death, both on the ice and in the hearts of those who knew him.