Tragic Loss: Matthew Gaudreau and Johnny killed in a New Jersey bike accident

Tragic Loss: Matthew Gaudreau and Johnny killed in a New Jersey bike accident

The hockey community was stunned to find in a heart-wrenching tragedy that Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew perished in a New Jersey bicycling accident. On Thursday night, August 29, 2024, the brothers in rural Salem County, New Jersey, close to Philadelphia, were hit by a car. The whole hockey community and supporters are in grief over the death of two dear people from this terrible occurrence.

Johnny and Matthew were riding their bicycles on County Road 551 when the tragedy happened, around at 8:30 p.m. ET. Reports from New Jersey said Police said that Sean Higgins, reportedly trying to pass two other vehicles, struck the brothers with an SUV. Believed to be intoxicated by alcohol, the driver has been charged with two charges of death by auto and is being housed in Salem County jail while the inquiry is under progress.

Only 31 years old, Johnny Gaudreau, also known as "Johnny Hockey," was brother Matthew's counterpart in age. The timing of this tragedy really hurts for their family and loved ones as the brothers were supposed to be at their sister's wedding the next day.

Johnny's last two seasons' Columbus Blue Jackets revealed their great loss in a statement. "The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," said the statement. "Johnny was a devoted spouse, father, son, brother, friend, and hockey player—more importantly still. On the untimely death of Johnny and Matt, we sincerely condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their relatives, and friends."

Johnny Gaudreau had an outstanding 11 NHL season hockey career. Following his fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft selection by the Calgary Flames, he started his road in the league. Nine seasons with the Flames saw Gaudreau rapidly rise to become among the league's most outstanding players. Johnny was a crowd favorite wherever he played because of his extraordinary playmaking ability and contagious love of the game. < His moniker, "John Hockey," caught his enthusiasm for and commitment to the game.

Johnny Gaudreau made a lasting impression while with the Flames, receiving seven All-Star choices, a position on the 2015 NHL All-Rookie Team, the 2017 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, and a 2022 NHL First-Team All-Star mention among other honors. Compiling the fifth-highest career points total for the Flames, his contributions to the team were significant. Johnny's effect off the rink was equally as important as his explosive on the rink.

Johnny Gaudreau made the tough choice to free agency sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets after leaving Calgary. Being closer to his family in southern New Jersey, particularly given Meredith's first child was expected, motivated part of him. Moving to Columbus was a turning point in his career, and he soon established himself as a valued team leader headed toward postseason participation.

Though less well-known than his elder brother, Matthew Gaudreau had a great hockey career. He accompanied Johnny in Boston College, where Johnny took home the esteemed Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14. Before switching into teaching, Matthew's own professional career extended four seasons. Matthew was the head hockey coach at Gloucester Catholic High institution in New Jersey at the time of his death; the same institution where both brothers had played prior to starting college.

This tragedy has effects well beyond the hockey scene. Johnny and Matthew Gaudrey were sons, brothers, husbands, and friends, not simply athletes. Johnny leaves behind his two small children, Noa and Johnny, and Meredith, his wife. The loss is unfathomable, and the prayers and ideas of the whole NHL community center on the Gaudreau family at this very trying period.

The National Hockey League also issued a statement expressing their great grief at the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudrey. "Johnny was more than just a brilliant hockey player; he was a loving father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path," the statement read. Along with supporters and friends all over, the NHL will remember Johnny for the excitement he brought to the game and the great influence he had on so many lives.

Three years have passed since the Blue Jackets grieved the death of goalie Matīss Kivlenieks in a July 2021 fireworks accident. Still mending from that tragedy, the Columbus community now suffers yet another terrible blow.

The Gaudreau family has sought privacy as they process this terrible loss as the inquiry into the tragedy gets under way. The hockey community will surely unite around them, recognizing Johnny and Matthew for the extraordinary people they were on and off the rink.

Credit to this : https://sports.yahoo.com/columbus-blue-jackets-johnny-gaudreau-brother-matthew-gaudreau-killed-in-new-jersey-bicycle-accident-114632763.html