Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, tragically lost their lives on Thursday night when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while bicycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their hometown in Salem County, according to New Jersey State Police.
The team confirmed the heartbreaking news on Friday morning, expressing their shock and devastation over the “unimaginable tragedy” in a social media post.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, had been the Blue Jackets’ top forward since signing as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames in July 2022. He and his 29-year-old brother, Matthew, were set to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday in Philadelphia, as noted in a post on a popular wedding site.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two young children, Noa and Johnny, both born in Columbus. Matthew is survived by his wife, Madeline. The brothers are also survived by their parents, Jane and Gus Gaudreau, and their sisters, Kristen and Katie.
How did Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau pass away?
New Jersey State Police reported that the Gaudreau brothers were killed after a suspected drunk driver collided with them shortly before 8:30 p.m. while they were biking along rural Pennsville Auburn Road (Salem County Route 551).
The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins from Woodstown, New Jersey, has been charged with two counts of death by auto, also known as vehicular homicide, and was taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility.
During his preliminary court hearing on Friday, Higgins’ arraignment was rescheduled for next Thursday, and he will remain in the Salem County jail until then. The judge also ordered Higgins not to discuss the case with anyone except his attorney while in jail. Higgins inquired about the process of obtaining legal representation.
According to a report released Friday morning, troopers suspected that Higgins was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The incident occurred as Higgins was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on Pennsville Auburn Road. Higgins attempted to pass a car in the southbound lane, but when he tried to overtake an SUV, the SUV moved toward the center of the road.
The SUV was maneuvering around the Gaudreau brothers, who were biking north on the side of the road. Higgins then tried to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two bicyclists from behind, causing fatal injuries, according to state police.
The criminal complaint against Higgins states that he remained at the scene when law enforcement arrived. Investigators noticed he smelled of alcohol, and he admitted to having consumed five to six beers before and during his drive. Higgins also failed a field sobriety test.
Higgins told police he believed that his drinking had contributed to his impatience and reckless driving, which ultimately led to the crash, according to the complaint.
Blue Jackets issue statement
Here is the full statement the Blue Jackets released on Friday morning:
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only an exceptional hockey player, but more importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, and all their family and friends as they cope with the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with immense joy, a joy that resonated with everyone who watched him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey to every team he played for, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames, Team USA, and the Blue Jackets.”
“He thrilled fans like only Johnny Hockey could. While the impact he made on our organization and the sport was profound, it is overshadowed by the lasting impression he left on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him deeply and will do everything we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. We ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and for their privacy to be respected as they grieve.”
A Blue Jackets spokesman added that the team will not be making any further comments at this time.
Gaudreau’s tragic death occurred three years after Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks was killed in a fireworks accident on July 4, 2021, in Novi, Michigan, at the home of Manny Legace, the team’s former goalie coach.
Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) takes the ice prior to the opening night game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Nationwide Arena on Oct. 14, 2022. (Dispatch file photo)
Following two disappointing seasons, Gaudreau was determined to make a strong comeback this year, fueled by his offseason training. This included representing the United States in May at the men’s world championships in Czechia, where he excelled with three goals, eight assists, and 11 points in eight games. He finished third on the team in scoring and tied for fourth in the tournament.
Gaudreau led the Blue Jackets last season with 12 goals, 48 assists, and 60 points in 81 games, marking the second consecutive year he topped the team in scoring. However, this was a 14-point decline from his first season in Columbus (2022-23) and 55 points fewer than his final season in Calgary, which came just before his unexpected decision in July 2022 to sign a seven-year, $68.25 million deal with the Blue Jackets.
The move was met with criticism throughout the NHL, particularly in Calgary. Despite this, Gaudreau remained steadfast in his decision to join the Blue Jackets. He and Meredith chose Columbus primarily because they wanted to raise their children closer to their families in New Jersey. Additionally, Gaudreau was impressed by the Blue Jackets fans, who consistently turned out in large numbers over the past two years, even amid numerous losses.
His goal was to give fans more to cheer about, and this effort received a boost on July 1 when the Blue Jackets signed center Sean Monahan, a close friend and former Flames teammate. As training camp approached, new coach Dean Evason seemed to have two of the top line’s three forward spots filled, with Gaudreau on left wing and Monahan at center. However, just a week after trading Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens, the team faces a significant gap of proven elite wingers and, more profoundly, a deep void in the hearts and minds of Gaudreau’s family, teammates, and all who knew him.
