SAEDNEWS; NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed in a New Jersey crash just hours before serving as groomsmen at their sister's wedding, following an incident involving a suspected drunken driver.
According to SAEDNEWS, NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, lost their lives in a devastating accident in New Jersey, just hours before they were set to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding. According to officials, the brothers were riding their bikes when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver.
The tragic news has left the sports world mourning the loss of “Johnny Hockey,” who was known for his skill on the ice and his kindness off it. Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother were biking around 8:19 p.m. Thursday in Oldmans Township, a community near the Delaware River, when a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit them while trying to pass two slower vehicles, as reported by New Jersey State Police.
The driver, identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, faces two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide. According to State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, Higgins is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. A probable cause affidavit revealed that Higgins admitted to consuming about five to six beers before the accident, explaining that his drinking contributed to his reckless driving.
Higgins had his first court appearance on Friday afternoon but did not enter a plea. He is currently being held without bond at the Salem County Correctional Facility, with a detention hearing scheduled for September 5.
In a heartfelt statement on Facebook, Johnny and Matthew's uncle, Jim Gaudreau, expressed the family’s grief: “Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.” He thanked everyone for their messages of support and asked for continued thoughts and prayers.
Matthew Gaudreau's wife is expecting a baby, as shared by a spokesperson from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
At Higgins’ court hearing, Judge Michael J. Silvanio informed him that the charges could result in a maximum of ten years in state prison. Higgins appeared surprised when he learned he would remain in custody until his next court date.
Johnny Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft after playing at Boston College. He signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets ahead of the 2022-2023 season, recording 12 goals and 48 assists last season. The Blue Jackets released a statement expressing their shock and sorrow over the loss, highlighting Johnny’s impact on and off the ice: “He was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
In his NHL career, Gaudreau scored a total of 243 goals and made seven All-Star appearances, leaving behind a legacy of passion and dedication to the sport he loved.
