PEDRICKTOWN, N.J. (CBS) — Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed Thursday night in a crash in Salem County, New Jersey, state police confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia.
Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew were cycling on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, Salem County, on Thursday evening when they were struck by a man in a Jeep.
Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, was attempting to pass a slower vehicle when he struck the Gaudreau brothers, who were driving on the right side of the road.
The Blue Jackets confirmed the Gaudreaus’ deaths in a message on X.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the Blue Jackets said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their families and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
A South Jersey native known as “Johnny Hockey”, who grew up a fan of the Philadelphia Flyers. Johnny Gaudreau played for the Little Flyers, a youth hockey organization based in Aston, Pennsylvania, beginning at the PeeWee level in 2004 and continuing through the 2008-09 season. Matthew Gaudreau played for the Little Flyers in 2007-08 and 08-09.
Both brothers played for Boston Collegeand Johnny won college hockey’s Heisman Trophy in 2014, the Hobey Baker Award. Johnny also contributed to BC’s NCAA championship win in 2012.
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“Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the best players in Boston College hockey history, but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a talented player who was equally beloved by his teammates,” a BC spokesperson told WBZ-TV.
Johnny Gaudreau was drafted in the 2011 NHL draft by the Calgary Flames. In 2022 he signed with Columbus as a free agent.
Johnny Gaudreau, a speedy left-handed shooter who played the wing, was nearly a career points-per-game player, with 743 points — 243 goals and 500 assists — in 763 NHL games. He set a career high in goals in the 2021-22 season, his last with the Flames, when he had 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points. He was a plus-64 player that season.
Both Johnny and Matthew attended Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, New Jersey, and both played hockey there. Matthew coached the Gloucester Catholic hockey team after a five-year professional career.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement that included the following:
“Johnny’s infectious play inspiration and impressive skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey.’ However, he was more than just a great hockey player; he was a devoted father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
“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 with him throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau made seven NHL All-Star Games, where he was always a fan favorite, especially when he showcased his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well-suited.”
Driver in custody
The accident happened at the intersection of Auburn Road and Stumpy Lane in Pedricktown after 8 p.m. The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to an affidavit, a New Jersey state trooper who arrived at the scene and spoke with Higgins smelled alcohol on his breath.
“Mr. Higgins stated that he had consumed approximately 5-6 beers prior to the accident. I administered standardized field sobriety tests to him, which he failed,” an officer wrote in the document.
“Mr. Higgins admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages prior to and while operating his vehicle,” the officer wrote.
Higgins was arrested on suspicion of alcohol use and charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle. He was taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility.
CBS News Philadelphia
This is a developing story. Stay with CBS News Philadelphia for updates.
