Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Dead in Cycling Accident

September 3, 2024

Tragedy struck the hockey community as NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in a bicycle accident, leaving fans and players in profound sorrow.

At a Glance

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by a suspected drunk driver while bicycling in New Jersey.
The accident occurred in Oldmans Township near their hometown.
The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed their deaths and expressed shock and devastation.
The brothers were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding the next day.

Details of the Fatal Accident

On the evening of August 30, 2024, a tragic accident claimed the lives of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were struck by a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, a suspected drunk driver. According to reports, the accident happened on a rural road around 8:30 p.m., when Higgins attempted to pass two other vehicles, hitting the Gaudreau brothers from behind.

Johnny, aged 31, and his brother, Matthew, 29, were pronounced dead at the scene. Johnny Gaudreau, widely known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a top forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets and had significant impact both on and off the ice.

The Columbus Blue Jackets released a heartfelt statement mourning the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau: “The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”

Impact on the Hockey Community

Johnny Gaudreau, a beloved figure in professional hockey, began his career with the Calgary Flames before signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2022. His move to Columbus stemmed from his desire to raise his family closer to New Jersey. The death of Gaudreau is not only a personal loss but a significant setback for the Blue Jackets, who recently signed close friend and former teammate Sean Monahan to bolster their squad.

NHL PLAYER JOHNNY GAUDREAU OF THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS KILLED IN BIKE ACCIDENT ALONG WITH HIS BROTHER, NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE ANNOUNCES

— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) August 30, 2024

Family Grieves the Loss

The accident’s timing was particularly heartbreaking as Johnny and Matthew were set to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding the following day. Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two young children, Noa and Johnny. Matthew leaves behind his wife, Madeline. Their parents, Jane and Gus Gaudreau, and their sisters Kristen and Katie are left grappling with this profound tragedy.

In a statement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his sorrow: “The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.” He highlighted Johnny’s infectious spirit and significant contributions to the game.

This is absolutely awful. Johnny Gaudreau, an NHL star for the Columbus Blue Jackets, was killed in a bike accident with his brother yesterday in New Jersey. He was only 31 years old. The brothers were going to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding today. https://t.co/w7CJ88pPiS

— Dan Buffa (@buffa82) August 30, 2024

Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction

Sean M. Higgins, the driver responsible for the fatal accident, admitted to having consumed five to six beers before and during his drive. He failed a field sobriety test and now faces two counts of vehicular homicide, being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility. Such incidents underline the critical need for stringent measures against driving under the influence to prevent such tragic losses.

As fans and the hockey community come to terms with this monumental loss, tributes pour in, reflecting Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy as both a remarkable athlete and an admirable human being. His infectious enthusiasm for the game and the way he connected with people will forever be remembered.