Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Tragedy shook the hockey world on Friday morning as news surfaced of the sudden death of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, whom were killed on Thursday night while cycling in New Jersey.
New Jersey State Police confirmed Friday morning the two brothers were killed after being struck by a vehicle in Oldmans Township at around 8:30 p.m. ET. State police believe the driver of the vehicle, identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was driving while under the influence of alcohol.
According to police, the Gaudreau brothers were riding their bikes on a two-lane road when the driver allegedly attempted to pass two vehicles ahead of him.
Witnesses told police that as Higgins passed the first vehicle, the second vehicle moved over to safely pass the brothers on their bicycles. As this happened, Higgins allegedly attempted to overtake the second vehicle on the right and struck the Gaudreau brothers.
Higgins remained on the scene of the crash until he was taken into custody by police.
He is currently facing two counts of vehicular manslaughter reckless driving, improper passing, as well as having an open container in his vehicle and consuming alcohol while driving. Higgins was arraigned on Friday and ordered to remain behind bars for another week until his next detention hearing on Sept. 5.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
The two brothers were visiting their hometown of Salem, New Jersey this weekend to take part in their sister's wedding on Friday. That has since been postponed.
The Blue Jackets released a statement on the passing of Johnny and Matthew on Friday morning:
The Buffalo Sabres also released a statement on the Gaudreau brothers' passing on Friday:
Gaudreau had signed a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets during the summer of 2022 after playing the first nine years of his career with the Calgary Flames. The Flames drafted Gaudreau in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft.
In his 11-year career between the Flames and Blue Jackets, Gaudreau played 602 regular season games, recording 210 goals and 609 points. He also appeared in 42 playoff games and recorded 33 points (11+22).
Gaudreau's best season in the league came in his final year in Calgary, where he scored a career-high 40 goals and added 75 assists for 115 points in 82 games during the 2021-22 campaign.
He was also dynamic during the Flames' postseason run in 2022, scoring three goals and adding 11 assists for 14 points in 12 games. This included a pivotal Game 7 overtime winner in the opening round of the playoffs against the Dallas Stars.
"Johnny Hockey", as he was commonly known, won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017 as the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.
Gaudreau also appeared in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game as a representative of the Flames.
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