Former Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau was killed Thursday along with his brother after being struck by a suspected impaired driver as they cycled in New Jersey.
Gaudreau was just 31 years old. He and his family had gathered in their home state for his sister’s wedding, according to reports.
The tragic news has left fellow athletes and others far and wide stunned and saddened.
Former teammate Blake Coleman expressed shock, saying: “The world just lost one of the best.”
Meanwhile, the Flames organization also its sadness as his passing.
“Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss,” his former team said in a statement on social media. “Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.”
Other NHL teams also expressed their condolences via social media.
The Calgary Stampeders’ sister organization, the Calgary Stampeders, expressed its sorrow as well.
“Johnny was a cherished member of the Flames family and a beloved figure in our community,” the team said.
His alma mater, Boston College, described him as one of the school’s greatest players and said his death was an unimaginable loss.
Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith praised Gaudreau’s impact on the wider community while extending her condolences to his family.
“Johnny was an incredible talent blessing Flames fans with so many iconic memories,” she wrote on X. “But even more profound was his dedication and service in the community which left a lasting impact on so many.”
More to come …