NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were tragically killed in a car accident while cycling near their hometown of Salem, New Jersey, on August 29, 2024. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, 43, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, struck the brothers from behind while attempting to pass two other vehicles.Higgins, who admitted to consuming five to six beers before the incident, failed a field sobriety test and has been charged with two counts of death by auto. He is currently being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.The accident occurred on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding, which has reportedly been canceled. Gaudreau was set to be a groomsman at the ceremony.Known affectionately as ‘Johnny Hockey,’ Gaudreau was a seven-time NHL All-Star who played nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022. He was renowned for his speed, skill, and sportsmanship, having been nominated for the NHL’s Lady Byng Memorial Trophy six times.The hockey community has been left in shock by this tragedy. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, ‘Johnny was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path’. The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement describing Gaudreau as ‘not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend’.Gaudreau is survived by his wife Meredith and their two young children, Noa and Johnny. His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving, with many in the hockey community calling for increased awareness and responsibility.As the NHL world mourns the loss of a talented player and his brother, the tragedy has sparked discussions about road safety and the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.
Key points
- NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in a cycling accident caused by a suspected drunk driver in New Jersey.
- The driver, Sean M.
- The hockey community, including the NHL Commissioner and teams, has expressed shock and offered condolences to the Gaudreau family.
- The tragedy has sparked discussions about road safety and the consequences of drunk driving.
Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto and is being held in custody.
