LeBron James led tributes to Johnny Gaudreau following the former NHL star’s shocking death in a bicycle accident on Thursday.
The NBA superstar took to social media just 24 hours after Gaudreau, a winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew made headlines after being fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.
“This is crazy! I feel depressed and sad reading this story,” James, 39, wrote on X.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family. May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide, protect and bless their family from the heavens.’
Other high-profile athletes, individuals and institutions also honored Gaudreau, 31, on social media, including his two former professional teams: the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames.
LeBron James, 39, revealed his shock upon learning of Matthew Gaudreau’s death on X, Friday
Blue Jackets winger Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, and two children.
Higgins is accused of being drunk when he collided with Gaudreau and his brother.
The NHL star, nicknamed ‘Johnny Hockey,’ played for the United States in several international competitions.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau,” the Flames tweeted on X. “Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a family member and loved by all of Calgary.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith posted a message of her own: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny was an incredible talent who blessed Flames fans with so many iconic memories; but even more profound was his dedication and service to the community, which left a lasting impact on so many people.”
He added: “My thoughts are with Johnny and Matthew’s families and friends during this incredibly difficult time. May they rest in peace.”
The Blue Jackets, for whom he played last season and represented at the NHL All-Star Game, shared a photo of their former player wearing their colors in an X along with the caption: “Johnny Gaudreau. August 13, 1993 – August 29, 2024.”
Edmonton Oilers star Evander Kane also spoke out about Gaudreau’s death, tweeting: “We are in shock and sadness to learn of the passing of Johnny and his brother Matthew. Our hearts go out to Johnny’s wife, two young children and the rest of his family during this unimaginable time.
“It is a tragedy and a new reminder of how precious life is. May God protect his children and his family.”
Athletes, high-profile personalities and former teams of Gaudreau (including university teams) paid tribute to him on X-Day.
USA Hockey, the team for which Gaudreau played internationally, also shared online: “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jonny and Matthew Gaudreau, whose lives ended far too soon. Words cannot express the pain the hockey community is feeling today.”
Dave Portnoy, CEO of Barstool Sports and avid hockey fan, posted on x: “Sad and surreal story. A reminder to never take a day for granted. Incredibly sad.”
Boston College, where ‘Johnny Hockey’ played from 2011 to 2014 before turning pro, revealed on X: ‘The entire BC community is shocked by the tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of @BC_MHockey’s greatest players, but one of the best.
“Matthew was a talented player and beloved by his teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss.”
Gaudreau, a native of Carneys Point, New Jersey, is survived by a wife, Meredith, and two sons, Noa and Johnny.