The hockey world woke up Friday morning to the sad and shocking news that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were struck and killed Thursday night while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.
According to court documents acquired by TMZ Sports, 43-year-old Sean Higgins admitted to police officers that he slammed his Jeep Cherokee into the backs of the Gaudreau brothers on a rural road in Salem County, N.J., around 8 p.m. TMZ Sports reported that Higgins told police officers that he drank “5-6 beers” before getting behind the wheel.
TMZ Sports also reported that Higgins told the police officers he was attempting to get around an SUV on the left, but when he thought the vehicle made a move to block him from passing he tried to get by it on its right and then collided with the brothers on their bikes.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and his brother was 29.
Gaudreau would have been heading into his third season with the Blue Jackets after being traded from the Calgary Flames. He had 12-48-60 totals in 81 games last season with Pascal Vincent as his head coach in Columbus. Vincent was an assistant coach with the Blue Jackets during Gaudreau’s first season in Columbus.
The Blue Jackets fired Vincent after last season and he was then hired by the Canadiens last month to become head coach of the Laval Rocket, their AHL farm club.
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” Vincent said in a statement released by the Canadiens and the Rocket. “This tragedy has left me speechless and in shock.
“Over the years, I had the privilege of getting to know the real Johnny Gaudreau — the person behind the hockey player,” Vincent added. “He was a humble and unassuming young man with extraordinary talent, who never sought to be in the spotlight. Instead, he enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and possessed a quiet strength of character. His passion for the game and exceptional hockey sense allowed him to achieve greatness, yet he remained grounded and true to himself.”
Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children — a daughter, Noa, and son, Johnny — who both were born in Columbus. Matthew Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Madeline. Both brothers are survived by their parents, Jane and Gus Gaudreau, and their sisters Kristen and Katie.
The Columbus Post-Dispatch reported that according to a post on a popular wedding site, Gaudreau and his brother were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding Friday in Philadelphia.
“I had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful family, including his wife, children, and parents,” Vincent said in his statement. “My thoughts are with them today. It’s an honour to have known not only the incredible hockey player but also the kind and beloved person Johnny was to everyone he met.
“Wherever we went, people admired him on and off the ice,” Vincent added. “Despite his success, he remained humble and genuine. Johnny, you touched so many lives with your kindness and contagious smile. I feel fortunate to have known you so closely. Your memory will stay with me forever.
“Rest in peace, Johnny.”
Gaudreau and his brother both played hockey at Boston College and were teammates for one season.
Gaudreau was selected by the Flames in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft and won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in U.S. college for the 2013-14 season after posting 36-44-80 totals in 40 games at Boston College. With the Flames, Gaudreau won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability after posting 18-43-61 totals during the 2016-17 season along with only four penalty minutes. During the 2021-22 season with the Flames, Gaudreau finished second in NHL scoring with 40-75-115 totals, trailing only Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, who had 44-79-123 totals.
Matthew Gaudreau was never selected at the NHL Draft and had brief stints in the AHL and ECHL after graduating from Boston College.
The Canadiens also released a statement Friday following the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers.
“The Canadiens family is profoundly saddened to learn this morning of the tragic passing of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” the team statement said.
“The organization joins the entire hockey community in offering its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Johnny and Matthew, as well as to their many teammates, coaches and friends who had the privilege of knowing and crossing paths with them during their inspiring hockey careers.
“The club also extends its deepest condolences to all members of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations during these difficult times.
“To the hockey world, who has lost two exceptional ambassadors and individuals of even greater quality, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Canadiens, as throughout the NHL, mourn the loss of Johnny and Matthew.”