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.
Jim Gaudreau, the uncle of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, released a statement on behalf of their family:
“Last night we were two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but they were truly two amazing people.
“We want everyone to know that we receive your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult time of grief.
“From all our families and from the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce families)”
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.
Thomas Iacovone Jr., president of Gloucester Catholic, said the pair are “a source of great pride to the close-knit Gloucester Catholic community.”
“Johnny and Matt were incredible hockey players and students, but even more amazing people,” GC Principal Thomas Iacovone, Jr. said in a statement. “Their loss will be felt forever by the entire Gloucester Catholic community and by me personally.”
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.”
Johnny was in the area for his sister Katie’s wedding.
Philadelphia residents pay tribute to Gaudreau
A makeshift memorial was formed Friday at Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, New Jersey, where the Gaudreaus’ father, Guy, is the hockey director. Some left hockey sticks and flowers outside the building.
CBS News Philadelphia
A memorial also grew at the scene of the accident on County Road 551. Wayne Bumm stopped by to leave flowers. He said he was coached by the Gaudreaus’ father, Guy, at Williamstown High School.
“Johnny was just a young kid when I knew him, but watching him play over the years and the success he had was the best thing I could see on TV,” Bumm said. “He was a great guy.”
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.
Salem County Corrections Facility
“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.
