Columbus Blue Jackets striker Johnny Gaudreau and brother die
According to the New Jersey State Police, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed while bicycling near their hometown in New Jersey.
Three years after mourning the death of goalkeeper Matiss Kivlenieks in a fireworks display, the Blue Jackets are mourning again.
The team is currently mourning the death of forward Johnny Gaudreau, who was struck and killed Thursday while riding bicycles with his younger brother Matt in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. They were struck on a road in Salem County around 8 p.m.
Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and police charged him with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, state police said. He is currently being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
More: NHL “shocked and saddened” by tragic death of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau
Gaudreau, 31, had two young children with his wife Meredith and chose to play in Columbus after surprising the NHL by signing with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in July 2022. The team's pain at having to cope with another summer tragedy is evident in the lengthy statement released Friday about Gaudreau's death.
The full text is:
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but most importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Meredith, his children Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and their friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy that was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey wherever he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA and the Blue Jackets.
“He thrilled fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. His impact on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on all who knew him. Johnny captured our community's heart when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and will do everything we can to support his family and each other during this tragedy. During this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy is respected as they grieve.”
Just 38 months after Kivlenieks was killed in a fireworks incident at a wedding reception in the backyard of former Blue Jackets goaltending coach Manny Legace's home, the same NHL team is now mourning Gaudreau on the day he and his brother were scheduled to be the best men at their sister's wedding.
A Blue Jackets spokesman said Friday that while the team mourns Gaudreau's death, it will not comment further until a later date. Information on funeral services was not available.
After beginning his NHL career with nine seasons with the Calgary Flames, Gaudreau spent two years in Columbus after signing a seven-year contract. His career with the Blue Jackets ended with 33 goals, 101 assists and 134 points in 161 games, but Gaudreau's loss will be much harder to take in the home locker room at Nationwide Arena. His loss will also be mourned throughout the NHL, where he left a legacy as a revered player and loved one.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.. “Johnny's infectious sportsmanship and stunning skills on the ice earned him the nickname “Johnny Hockey,” but he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a loving father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path.”
The deaths of Gaudreau and Kivlenieks followed the death of a Blue Jackets fan, Brittanie Cecil, in March 2002 at Nationwide Arena. Cecil, 13, was struck in the head by a deflected puck on March 16, 2002, and died two days later – just two days before her 14th birthday.th Birthday.
Cecil's death was the first of its kind in NHL history and resulted in the installation of safety nets at both ends of every arena in the league.
