Former Calgary Flames forward and fan favourite Johnny Gaudreau was killed, along with his brother Matthew, after the pair were hit by an SUV while riding bikes in New Jersey.
According to the site nj.com, the Gaudreaus were riding bikes on County Road 551 in Oldsman Township in Salem Country when an SUV trying to pass two vehicles hit the brothers. CBS Philadelphia reported that 43-year-old Sean Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in the incident.
The pair were in New Jersey to celebrate their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday in Philadelphia. Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29.
“It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau,” read a statement from the Calgary Flames Friday morning.
“Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.”
The Calgary Flames organization also changed their social media photo to honour the number 13 Gaudreau wore while with the team.
‘Johnny Hockey’ as he was affectionately referred, was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011. He opted to go the college route first, playing for Boston College for three years, winning a national title in 2012 and the Hobey Baker Award for most outstanding college hockey player in 2014 before joining the Flames in 2015.
He was a Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) finalist in 2015.
Gaudreau scored 602 points in 609 regular season games for the Calgary Flames before leaving the team via free agency to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. In 161 games with the Blue Jackets, Gaudreau had 134 points.
“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,” read a statement from the Blue Jackets.
“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.”
The NHL also put out a statement on the Gaudreaus’ passing.
