Johnny Gaudreau’s death proved to be a major motivation for the United States men’s hockey players and their quest to win the gold medal during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Gaudreau’s cause of death continues to be a great tragedy.
On August 29, 2024, Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were struck by a car while riding their bikes in New jersey. The brothers were in town for their sister’s wedding.
“Ice hockey player Johnny Gaudreau has passed away aged 31, after he was caught in a cycling accident on Thursday (August 29, 2024),” Olympics.com detailed on August 30, 2024.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets forward lost his life alongside his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, aged 29. They were struck by a vehicle in New Jersey, the day before they were due to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.”
Gaudreau was selected by the Calgary Flames with a fourth-round pick in the 2011 NHL draft. After spending his first nine seasons with the Flames, Gaudreau’s final two NHL seasons were with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Gaudreau played in 763 NHL games prior to his death and was expected to be a member of Team USA at the 2026 Olympics.
Here’s what we know about Gaudreau’s tragic death.
Former United States Hockey Player Johnny Gaudreau Died in 2024 After Being Hit by a Car
Gaudreau may not have been present at the 2026 Olympics, but his memory lived on in Milan. The Gaudreau family was front and center during the gold medal game as Team USA defeated Canada.
The United States hockey players carried his No. 13 USA jersey on the ice after the team won the gold medal. Driver Sean Higgins was believed to be intoxicated at the time of the accident.
“Sean Higgins, 44, is charged with six counts that include aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident,” The Columbus Dispatch’s Bethany Bruner detailed in an April 9, 2025, story titled, “Latest court filing provides new details about crash that killed Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau.”
“Higgins was also intoxicated at the time of the crash, according to investigators and prosecutors.”
The Driver Attempted to Pass Slower Vehicles Before Striking Johnny Gaudreau & Brother Matthew Gaudreau
New details have emerged since the accident. According to NBC Philadelphia, Higgins admitted to believing the cars in front of him were driving too slow as he attempted to pass the vehicles.
“Court documents note that Higgins tried to pass two vehicles ahead of him and entered the southbound lanes,” NBC Philadelphia’s Matt DeLucia and Emily Rose Grassi wrote in a January 15, story titled, “Judge: Driver’s statement after crash killed Gaudreau brothers usable in trial.” “An SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes in order to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers as they rode their bikes on the right side of the road, court documents claim.
“Higgins then tried to pass the SUV on the left side shoulder, admitting in a recording played in court on Wednesday that he thought the vehicle ahead of him was moving too slowly, and struck the Gaudreau brothers, police believe.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s Wife Meredith, Kids & Family Were at the 2026 Olympics Cheering on Team USA
Gaudreau’s wife Meredith Gaudreau, his kids and the late hockey player’s parents Jane and Guy Gaudreau were among those in attendance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The United States hockey players honored Gaudreau’s memory after winning the gold.
“It’s fun to be a part of this,” Meredith Gaudreau told NHL.com during Team USA’s run. “We wished we were a part of it, so when we got the call to come out, it felt like maybe [Johnny] did make the team.
“So it’s fun here to represent him, and support everyone who’s honoring him as well.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s Cause of Death: How Did USA Hockey Player Die?