Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Matthew Gaudreau in Fatal Car Accident
The sports community is in deep mourning following the heartbreaking news that Johnny Gaudreau, a talented American ice hockey player in the NHL, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Thursday, August 29, in New Jersey. The devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the hockey world and beyond, leaving fans, friends, and family in disbelief.
The Accident
On the evening of August 29, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were cycling along a rural road in Oldsman Township, New Jersey, when tragedy struck. The brothers were hit by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 43-year-old Sean Higgins, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time. The collision occurred around 8:19 PM, and both brothers suffered fatal injuries.
The New Jersey State Police have since arrested Higgins, who is facing charges of vehicular homicide. In a court statement, Higgins admitted to having consumed “five to six beers” before the accident, a confession that has only deepened the anguish of those who knew and loved the Gaudreau brothers.
A Community in Mourning
The Columbus Blue Jackets, Johnny Gaudreau’s team, expressed their deep sorrow and devastation in a statement shared on social media. “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 Matthew,” the statement read.
The tragedy is particularly poignant as the Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey to attend their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia, scheduled for the day after the accident. Johnny and Matthew were set to serve as groomsmen, a role that now adds to the heartbreaking nature of this loss.
Johnny Gaudreau: A Stellar NHL Career
Johnny Gaudreau’s death marks the end of a remarkable career in the NHL, where he was known for his exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and leadership. Over his 11-year career, Gaudreau achieved numerous milestones, including scoring 243 goals. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Gaudreau became a regular player for the team during the 2014-2015 season. He is ranked 5th in the franchise’s history in assists (399), points (609), and game-winning goals (41).
Gaudreau’s talent on the ice was matched by his reputation for fair play, earning him the 2016-17 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies good sportsmanship. In 2022, Gaudreau made the decision to sign a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, a move that brought him closer to his home state of New Jersey.
During his two seasons with Columbus, Gaudreau appeared in 161 games, recording 134 points (33 goals, 101 assists). Despite the team’s struggles, finishing last in the Metropolitan Division both years, Gaudreau was a standout player, leading the team in points and assists each season.
Matthew Gaudreau: A Life Cut Short
Matthew Gaudreau, Johnny’s younger brother, was also a professional ice hockey player. At 29 years old, Matthew had played for the Reading Royals in Pennsylvania, making a name for himself in the hockey world. Like his brother, Matthew’s life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
A Painful Reminder of Past Tragedies
The Gaudreau family’s loss comes just three years after another tragic incident involving the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 2021, the team’s goaltender, Matiss Kivlenieks, died in a fireworks accident on July 4 in Michigan. The parallels between these two tragedies have only compounded the grief felt by the team and its supporters.
Remembering the Gaudreau Brothers
The deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau are a profound loss not only for their family and friends but for the entire hockey community. Johnny Gaudreau’s contributions to the NHL and his leadership on and off the ice will be remembered for years to come. Matthew Gaudreau’s potential and passion for the game will also be deeply missed.
As the sports world mourns the loss of these two talented brothers, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of preventable tragedies. The Gaudreau brothers’ legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew them, and their tragic passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility, both on and off the road.
