Columbus Blue Jackets announce death of Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Friday that star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died Thursday night in a bike accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31. Matthew Gaudreau was 29.
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were struck by a car while cycling. The driver of the car was arrested and charged with two counts of driving under the influence and death by auto, according to Mike Greenberg of ESPN. Per information provided by New Jersey State Police to The Columbus Dispatch, the driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was traveling north on a county road in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and SUV.
In an attempt to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV, Higgins entered the southbound lanes. After passing the sedan, Higgins tried to re-enter the northbound lanes. The SUV in front of him moved to the middle of the roadway to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers who were cycling north on the right side of the roadway. Higgins went to pass the SUV on the right and struck both the Gaudreau brothers in the rear.
Gaudreau and his brother were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding Friday. Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, daughter, Noa and son, Johnny.
Blue Jackets release statement on passing of Johnny Gaudreau
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the Blue Jackets said in a statement. “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 Matthew. 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.”
Gaudreau’s death comes three years after Blue Jackets netminder Matiss Kivlenieks was tragically killed in a fireworks accident on July 4, 2021, in Novi, Michigan.
Johnny Gaudreau’s career highlights
Gaudreau was one of the best wingers in the NHL during his 11-year career. A 2011 fourth round pick of the Calgary Flames, Gaudreau made his debut in the 2013-14 season. He scored a goal against the Vancouver Canucks in his first career game. Known as “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau quickly became a star in Calgary, posting 494 points in 520 games over his first eight seasons in the league.
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His career took an even further jump in the 2021-22 campaign, when Gaudreau tallied 115 points (40 goals, 75 assists), leading the Flames to a first-place finish in the Pacific Division. Gaudreau led the entire NHL in 2021-22 with a plus/minus of 63. He finished fourth in the Hart Memorial Trophy voting behind the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews, the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid and the New York Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin.
Gaudreau cashed in following his standout season, signing a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets in July 2022. While he didn’t reach the highs from his days in Calgary, Gaudreau led Columbus in points in each of his two seasons with the team. Gaudreau put up 33-101-134 in 161 games with the Blue Jackets.
In total, the Salem, New Jersey, native suited up in 763 games in the NHL, recording 243 goals and 500 assists for 743 points. He was a seven-time All-Star and is fifth on the Flames’ all-time points list. He further represented the United States at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships in Russia, winning a gold medal. Gaudreau was part of the U.S. team which took home bronze in the 2018 IIHF World Championships in Denmark.
Gaudreau enjoyed a highly decorated collegiate career, playing three seasons at Boston College. In his junior season in 2013-14, he posted 36 goals and 44 assists for 80 points. Gaudreau was the recipient of the 2014 Hobey Baker Award, awarded to the NCAA’s top hockey player.
Gary Bettman issues statement on Johnny Gaudreau’s passing
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement on Gaudreau’s passing.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” Bettman said. “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.”