NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau And Brother Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver

The Columbus Blue Jackets forward was riding bikes with his brother, Matthew, in New Jersey when they were struck from behind, police said.

NHL star forward Johnny Gaudreau, also known as “Johnny Hockey,” was killed alongside his brother, Matthew, in a suspected drunken driving incident Thursday while riding bicycles in New Jersey, authorities said. Their deaths appear to have come hours before their sister’s wedding scheduled nearby.

The two brothers were riding in Oldmans Township, about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia, when a driver believed to be under the influence of alcohol struck them from behind around 8 p.m. while attempting to pass other vehicles, New Jersey State Police said.

Driver Sean Higgins, 43, was arrested on two counts of death by automobile and booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility. The crash remains under investigation, police said.

Gaudreau, 31, played 11 seasons with the NHL and participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times. He signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022 while a free agent following nine seasons with the Calgary Flames.

In a statement, the Columbus Blue Jackets hailed Gaudreau as “not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”