Johnny Gaudreau NHL Career Highlights

🙏 South Jersey native + NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother passed away

@JeffSkverskyYouTube

**Tragedy Strikes: Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Killed in New Jersey Crash**

Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed Thursday night in a car-bike crash in Salem County, New Jersey. The New Jersey State Police confirmed the heartbreaking news to CBS News Philadelphia.

The Gaudreau brothers, Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were riding their bicycles along County Route 551 in Oldmans Township when they were struck by a Jeep driven by 43-year-old Sean Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey. The crash occurred at the intersection of Auburn Road and Stumpy Lane just after 8 p.m.

According to police reports, Higgins attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicle when he struck the brothers. Both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau suffered fatal injuries at the scene. Higgins, who remained at the scene, was detained under suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto. He was subsequently taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility.

The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed the tragic news in a post on X, expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of one of their brightest stars and his brother.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team’s statement read. “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 Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a standout player in the NHL, having played 11 seasons, including the last two with the Blue Jackets. His legacy includes being a six-time NHL All-Star and earning the nickname for his dazzling play on the ice and his infectious love for the game.

Matthew Gaudreau, also a hockey player who spent time in the minor leagues and played at Boston College, shared his brother’s passion for the sport.

The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the hockey community and beyond. Gaudreau’s impact on the sport, from his days in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints to his standout career with the Calgary Flames and later the Blue Jackets, was profound. His presence on and off the ice will be deeply missed.

As the Gaudreau family mourns this devastating loss, they have requested privacy during this difficult time.

**#RIPJohnnyHockey #NHL #BlueJackets #HockeyFamily #GaudreauBrothers #TragicLoss #SalemCounty #johnnygaudreau