OLDSMAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were struck and killed by a car while riding bikes in Salem County, New Jersey Thursday night.
Around 8:30 p.m., police said two cyclists were hit by a driver on Pennsville Auburn Road and Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township. There are fields in that area and very little light.
Police said the person behind the wheel stayed on the scene.
The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed Johnny Gaudreau's death in a statement Friday morning:
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 years old and a native of Salem County. He was presumably in town for his sister's wedding, which was scheduled to take place on Friday. Both brothers were groomsmen.
Johnny Gaudreau was a standout in the NHL for 11 years. Both brothers attended and played hockey at Gloucester Catholic High School — where Matthew Gaudreau later became the head coach.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman added in a statement:
Police are still investigating and have not released any details on the circumstances of the crash or if the driver will face any charges.





