AceShowbiz - In a heartbreaking incident, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were killed on Thursday night, August 29 in a biking accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were struck by a suspected drunk driver while biking along Country Route 551 North around 8:20 P.M.

Johnny, aged 31, and Matthew, aged 29, were in their hometown to attend their sister Katie Gaudreau's wedding as groomsmen. Despite their joyous plans, the brothers' lives were tragically cut short when Sean M. Higgins, 43, attempted to pass two slow-moving vehicles and struck them from behind. Both Johnny and Matthew were pronounced dead at the scene.

Higgins has been arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. Police suspect he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, which has intensified the sorrow and outrage felt by the community, fans, and the hockey world.

The Columbus Blue Jackets expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their star player and his brother. In a statement released on X (formerly known as Twitter), the team said, "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."

Johnny Gaudreau, known affectionately as "Johnny Hockey," had a stellar career marked by notable achievements, including winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017. His infectious love for the sport and exceptional skills endeared him to fans from his college days at Boston College to his professional tenure with the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Matthew Gaudreau, also a talented hockey player, graduated from Boston College and played for several minor league teams, most recently the Worcester Railers. He had been the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School's hockey team in New Jersey.

Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith, their daughter Noa, and son Johnny Jr. Matthew is survived by his wife, Madeline. The loss of both brothers has left a profound void in their families and the hockey community. As the NHL and the Blue Jackets mourn, some small solace is found in the memories of the joy and passion that Johnny and Matthew brought to the game and their lives.

As the investigation continues, the hockey world stands united in supporting the Gaudreau family, honoring their legacy, and advocating for safer roads to prevent such tragedies in the future.