Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were tragically killed in a bicycle accident in New Jersey on Thursday night.
Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran who had spent the past two seasons with the Blue Jackets, is believed to have been bicycling with Matthew, 29, in Oldmans Township when the fatal crash occurred around 8:30 p.m.
The two brothers were struck and killed by another vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane, according to details from the local news station. 6 alphabetThe driver is said to have remained at the scene after the accident.
They are believed to have died on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding.
Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith, whom he married in September 2021, and two young children: one-year-old daughter Noa and baby Johnny Jr, who was born just six months ago.
Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau was tragically killed in a bicycle accident with his brother on Thursday (pictured: Gaudreau with his wife Meredith and their two children)
Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran, had spent the past two seasons with the Blue Jackets.
Columbus released a statement confirming the passing of their player on Friday morning, admitting that he will be “terribly missed” and expressing their condolences to his family.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the statement said. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
‘Johnny played with a great joy, which was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought with him a genuine love of hockey to all the places he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on everyone who knew him.
‘Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him dearly and do everything we can to support his family and ourselves during this tragedy.
‘At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.’
