Rajit Singh
In a tragic and heartbreaking turn of events, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, both lost their lives on Thursday night in New Jersey. The brothers, who were cycling when they were struck by a vehicle, were on the verge of a joyful family occasion as they were to serve as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding the following day in Philadelphia.
The New Jersey State Police reported that the driver involved in this devastating accident, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. The tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew has sent shockwaves through the hockey community and beyond, leaving a deep sense of sorrow and loss.
Both Johnny and Matthew were natives of Carneys Point, New Jersey, and had illustrious careers in hockey, beginning at Boston College, where they made a lasting impact. Johnny Gaudreau, often affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” was not only a star player but also one of the most beloved figures in the sport. His talent on the ice was matched only by his kindness off it. Matthew, too, was highly respected and cherished by his teammates and coaches.
Boston College, where both brothers played, released a statement expressing their profound grief: “The entire BC community is stunned by the tragic news. Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest Boston College Men’s Hockey players but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player and beloved by teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss.”
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The Columbus Blue Jackets echoed this sentiment, saying they were “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.” The team’s statement highlighted Johnny’s infectious love for hockey, which brought joy to fans everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames and finally to the Blue Jackets.
The brothers’ former coach at Boston College, Jerry York, expressed the deep sadness felt by all who knew them: “Just devastating news for all of us connected with the Gaudreau family. Both Matty and Johnny were terrifically admired by all of us. Wonderful young guys, and they impressed a lot of us off ice. Everybody knows how gifted they were on ice, especially Johnny — an all-world type of Olympic player and college all-star. … They left tremendous impressions on all of us.”
As the hockey world mourns, the Gaudreau family faces an unimaginable loss. Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their children, Noa and Johnny. Matthew is survived by his wife, Madeline. Their tragic passing is a somber reminder of the preciousness of life and the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
Abhishek Kumar
