The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed in a statement the stunning news that All-Star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, have passed away.
According to reports, the brothers were riding bikes on a rural New Jersey road Thursday night when they were struck and killed by a passing car around 8:30 p.m.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31. Matthew was 29. The two were home in New Jersey for their sister Katie’s wedding Friday night.
The driver of the car was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. Investigators said he was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol.
The Gaudreau brothers both played college hockey at Boston College, Johnny from 2011-14 and Matthew from 2013-17. Johnny, who earned the nickname “Johnny Hockey” during his time at BC, helped the Eagles win a national championship in 2012 and won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in the nation in 2014.
Johnny Gaudreau went on to play 10 full seasons in the NHL, eight with the Calgary Flames and the last two with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was an All-Star in 2021-22 when he posted a career-high 115 points with the Flames.
Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children, daughter Noa and son Johnny.
Matthew Gaudreau played minor-league hockey for five years after college, including spending some time with the ECHL Worcester Railers.
The Blue Jackets released the following statement:
“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, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matt.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made 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 terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.
“At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”