National Hockey League and Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau has died. Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, died on Thursday, Aug. 29, following a biking accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Reports revealed that the deceased brothers were in their hometown of Salem County for their sister’s wedding, scheduled to be held on Friday, August 30. They were supposed to serve as groomsmen on the wedding day; however, that was not to be.
Details of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s Deaths
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The New Jersey State Police revealed that Johnny and Matthew were biking on Country Route 551 North just past 8 p.m. Meanwhile, a driver suspected to be under the influence of alcohol tried to overtake another vehicle when he hit the brothers, who died at the crash scene. Police apprehended the driver, identified as Sean M. Higgins, and charged him with two counts of death by auto; however, the investigation remains ongoing.
Tributes Pour In for Johnny Gaudreau
After news of Johnny and Matthew’s deaths made headlines, the former’s team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, paid tribute to him via a post on X. In the post, shared on August 30, the NHL team wrote: “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.”
They added that Johnny played hockey with great joy, which everyone who watched him felt. They noted that Johnny brought his genuine love for the sport to all the teams he played for. He left a lasting impact on the Columbus Blue Jackets and an indelible impression on all who knew him. The statement ended by emphasizing how much the team would miss Johnny while asking for privacy for the grieving Gaudreau family.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Hockey Career
Johnny Gaudreau played at Boston College alongside his brother, Matthew. In 2014, Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award for being the best college hockey player. Afterward, he went pro and was drafted into the NHL by the Calgary Flames. Johnny impressed in his rookie season, but missed out on winning the Calder Memorial Trophy.
He continued his impressive displays and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017 for being the league’s best offensive performer with top sportsmanship. In 2022, Johnny left the Calgary Flames after spending eight seasons there. He moved to the Columbus Blue Jackets after signing a seven-year contract. Johnny was married to his wife, Meredith; the couple shared two children, their soon-to-be-two-year-old daughter, Noa, and seven-month-old son, Johnny.
Matthew Gaudreau’s Hockey Career
After graduating from Boston College in 2017, Matthew Gaudreau played for several minor league teams, most recently the Worcester Railers, where he played in 2022. Over the last two years, Matthew coached the Worcester Railers’ high school team, Gloucester Catholic High, New Jersey.
Matthew was married to Madeline, who is five months pregnant with their first child, a son named Tripp. The couple’s son’s due date is December 31, and a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to support Madeline. The fundraiser, titled “Support Madeline and Baby Tripp After Tragedy,” has raised nearly $500,000 so far. The initial goal was to raise $30,000, a figure that has been greatly surpassed.
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