Tragedy Strikes: NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Killed in New Jersey Crash
August 19, 2024
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew tragically lost their lives on Thursday night while biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The two brothers were preparing to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding the following day when they were struck by a car driven by a suspected drunk driver. Authorities confirmed that the driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, attempted to pass another vehicle when he fatally hit the Gaudreau brothers. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, Higgins, was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. Authorities noticed odor of alcohol on Higgins' breath, and he later confirmed of consuming five to six beers before the incident. He failed a sobriety test at the scene. Higgins, who was represented by a public defender at his initial hearing, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. His detention trial is scheduled for next Thursday, September 5, and until then, he remains in custody.
The lamentable loss of Johnny Gaudreau, who was lovingly called "Johnny Hockey," has left the hockey world and his team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, in tears. Gaudreau was known to be a good player on the rink and off for his exemplary character. The Blue Jackets were shocked and saddened, having sent their condolences to the wife and children mourning Johnny Gaudreau and to all members of the extended family. The late Johnny had had a storied career with seven appearances in the NHL All-Star Game; he was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011. He then signed a seven-year contract with Columbus in 2022.
Johnny may have been a success professionally, but both brothers were real homebodies. Passionate about hockey, Matthew Gaudreau further emulated his father by becoming the head coach at Gloucester Catholic High School. The Gaudreau family was a prominent name in the Gloucester Catholic community after his two sons brought laurels to their alma mater. This loss has resonated very deeply within this close-knit community that was less about adoring brothers for their athletic achievements and more for knowing every bit of their fantastic character and what they did to give back to the people around them.
The tragedy has triggered a wave of sorrow and support from different sectors. In memory of the brothers, Boston College aired its tribute where they played ice hockey. And NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged that Johnny had an undying love for the game. The mourning was also in the world of politics as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy passed their condolences to the Gaudreau family.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the Gaudreau family and the broader hockey community are left to mourn the loss of two beloved brothers whose lives were tragically cut short.
The driver, Higgins, was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. Authorities noticed odor of alcohol on Higgins' breath, and he later confirmed of consuming five to six beers before the incident. He failed a sobriety test at the scene. Higgins, who was represented by a public defender at his initial hearing, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. His detention trial is scheduled for next Thursday, September 5, and until then, he remains in custody.
The lamentable loss of Johnny Gaudreau, who was lovingly called "Johnny Hockey," has left the hockey world and his team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, in tears. Gaudreau was known to be a good player on the rink and off for his exemplary character. The Blue Jackets were shocked and saddened, having sent their condolences to the wife and children mourning Johnny Gaudreau and to all members of the extended family. The late Johnny had had a storied career with seven appearances in the NHL All-Star Game; he was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011. He then signed a seven-year contract with Columbus in 2022.
Johnny may have been a success professionally, but both brothers were real homebodies. Passionate about hockey, Matthew Gaudreau further emulated his father by becoming the head coach at Gloucester Catholic High School. The Gaudreau family was a prominent name in the Gloucester Catholic community after his two sons brought laurels to their alma mater. This loss has resonated very deeply within this close-knit community that was less about adoring brothers for their athletic achievements and more for knowing every bit of their fantastic character and what they did to give back to the people around them.
The tragedy has triggered a wave of sorrow and support from different sectors. In memory of the brothers, Boston College aired its tribute where they played ice hockey. And NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged that Johnny had an undying love for the game. The mourning was also in the world of politics as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy passed their condolences to the Gaudreau family.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the Gaudreau family and the broader hockey community are left to mourn the loss of two beloved brothers whose lives were tragically cut short.