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Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau died on August 29, 2024, at age 31.
The Blue Jackets confirmed the news on social media on August 30 after reports came out that he and his brother, 29-year-old Matthew Gaudreau, had both been killed.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, “the Gaudreau brothers were killed after a suspected drunk driver crashed into them on a rural road” where they were biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
The outlet reported that state police said the driver, Sean Higgins, 43, had tried to pass another vehicle but was unable to because that vehicle moved toward the middle of the road to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers, who were biking on the right. “Higgins then tried to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two bicyclists in the rear,” The Dispatch reported, adding that the brothers “suffered fatal injuries.”
Higgins was charged with “two counts of death by auto” and a court date has not yet been publicly released, according to the outlet.
Blue Jackets Release Statement on Johnny Gaudreau’s Death
The Columbus Blue Jackets issued a statement following the deaths of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. 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 Matt,” the statement read.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound. But, pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve,” the Blue Jackets’ statement continued.
Gaudreau just finished his second season with the Blue Jackets and recorded 12 goals and 48 assists for 60 points in 81 games. In his first season with Columbus, Gaudreau recorded 21 goals and 53 assists for 74 points in 80 games.
Gaudreau was selected with the 104th pick in the 2011 NHL draft by the Calgary Flames. He made his NHL debut during the 2013-14 season and spent nine years with the Flames. As a free agent in the summer of 2022, Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets.
Gaudreau was a seven-time NHL All-Star and skated in 763 games, recording 243 goals and 500 assists for 743 points.
NHL Commissioner ‘Shocked and Saddened’ By Gaudreau’s Death
Gaudreau won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017, given to the player who exhibited the best type of sportsmanship. He was also honored with the 2014 Hobey Baker Award as the best college hockey player. His biography on that award’s website says that with the Flames, Gaudreau “became just the fifth player in NHL history to score a goal on his first shot in his first NHL game.”
The New Jersey native was a key player for the Blue Jackets and one of the best players in the NHL. Following his death, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he 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 statement read.
“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited,” Bettman continued about Gaudreau.
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