Tragedy struck the Gaudreau family when NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a suspected drunk driver, overshadowing a time of celebration with unfathomable grief.
At a Glance
- Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by a suspected drunk driver while bicycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
- The incident occurred Thursday night, with their deaths confirmed on Friday morning.
- The brothers were to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding.
- Sean M. Higgins, the driver, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.
Gaudreau Brothers’ Tragic Death
Johnny Gaudreau, an NHL standout for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew were killed in a biking accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. A suspected drunk driver, Sean M. Higgins, struck the brothers from behind on a rural road. The accident has left their family, community, and the NHL in mourning.
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday; the news was confirmed Friday morning by the Blue Jackets. The impact on their sister Katie’s wedding, for which Johnny and Matthew were to serve as groomsmen, adds another layer of heartbreak.
🚨DRUNK DRIVER WHO KILLED NHL STAR JOHNNY GAUDREAU AND BROTHER SIGHS IN COURT AFTER LEARNING OF JAIL TIME
Sean Higgins, accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in a drunk driving accident, reacted with frustration in court upon hearing he would remain… pic.twitter.com/74QMU2hCu5
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 30, 2024
Charges Against the Driver
The driver, Sean M. Higgins, is facing serious charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide. He admitted to consuming five to six beers before and while driving and failed a field sobriety test. Higgins is currently held in the Salem County Correctional Facility as the investigation continues. The New Jersey State Police confirmed that Higgins stayed at the scene of the crash but was suspected of driving under the influence.
According to New Jersey State Police, the driver did stay at the scene.”
Community and Family Mourning
Johnny Gaudreau was known for his joyful play, earning him the nickname “Johnny Hockey,” and his deep ties to the hockey world. He joined the Blue Jackets in 2022, having previously played for the Calgary Flames. His impact on the ice was matched by his commitment to community and family. He leaves behind his wife Meredith, two children, his parents, and sisters, while Matthew is survived by his pregnant wife, Madeline.
“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… Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms.”
MADD is devastated by the tragic loss of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, both killed by an alleged drunk driver. Their deaths were 100% preventable. MADD stands with the Gaudreau family. We need the HALT Act’s anti-drunk driving tech to end this violent crime.… pic.twitter.com/DonS9L5tdB
— Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) (@MADDNational) August 30, 2024
NHL Community Response
The broader hockey community has also expressed their condolences. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated, “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 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.”
Fans, teammates, and friends paid tribute to Johnny and Matthew with flowers and moments of silence at significant locations associated with Johnny’s career. At Boston College, where both brothers played hockey, former coaches and teammates shared their memories and praised the brothers for their contributions on and off the ice.
