Here's how 10 celebs reacted to tragic deaths of Gaudreau brothers: From LeBron James to Matthew Tkachuk
10 sports stars who reacted to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's deaths: From LeBron James to Mike Trout
Social media users from the hockey community and beyond expressed shock and despair in response to the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. Johnny and Matthew were riding their bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey when they were hit by a car and killed on Thursday night, August 29. At the age of 31, Johnny amassed 743 points (250 goals and 500 assists) from 763 NHL regular-season games. At 29, Matthew was a professional hockey player in the American Hockey League and ECHL. NBA star LeBron James and Mike Trout of MLB were among the many sports stars who reacted to the tragic deaths of the NHL brothers.
1. LeBron James
NBA star LeBron James wrote on his X account, @KingJames: "Insane man! . I instantly got so down and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above." Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, another well-known star from a different sport, joined James.
2. Mike Trout
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout also took to X to react to the tragic deaths of the Gaudreau brothers. The fellow New Jersey native wrote, "Devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Sending my deepest condolences and love to their family." Trout is from Millville in New Jersey, which is roughly 30 miles away from Salem County.
3. Gary Bettman
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement addressing the shocking loss in the hockey world. Bettman wrote in part: "While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path."
4. Thatcher Demko
Thatcher Demko, the goalkeeper for the Vancouver Canucks, shared a photo of the brothers on his Instagram account, tdemko30, stating, "Genuinely some of the sweetest people I've played with and gotten close with. Rest Easy Fellas.." Demko was member of the Gaudreaus' team at Boston College, per NHL.com.
5. Matthew Tkachuk
Johnny Gaudreau's six-season colleague with the Calgary Flames, Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers, shared a picture of the two on his X account, @TKACHUKycheese_, along with the statement, "Absolutely devastated. I will miss seeing that smile! RIP Hockey! love you bro," and an emoji of a broken heart came after.
6. Rasmus Andersson
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson shared a photo of himself and Gaudreau from July 14, on his X account, @RAndersson19, saying, "Trying to find the right words today is not easy. You were a hell of a hockey player but it's the person Johnny that always is going to be with me, one of my closest friends, it didn't matter if we hadn't spoken in a day or a week we always knew where we had each other! There hasn't been a dry eye in the Andersson house today we all love you Johnny. … To Meredith Noa and Johnny Jr we're always here for you and we love you. Rest in Peace uncle Johnny and Matty."
7. Adam Fantilli
"Still can't believe it. Rest in peace brother, love you," wrote Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli on his Instagram account, followed by a photo of himself and Johnny Gaudreau in the Blue Jackets' dressing room.
8. Zach Werenski
In a similar vein, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski posted a photo of himself and Johnny Gaudreau wearing USA Hockey jerseys to his Instagram account, zachwerenski, along with the words "Rest easy brother," followed by a heart emoticon.
9. Blake Coleman
The Calgary Flames' Blake Coleman shared a photo of Johnny and his daughter on his X account, @BColes25, saying, "Completely gutted. The world just lost one of the best. RIP Johnny." The post was followed with a broken heart emoji.
10. Kevin Hayes
The Pittsburgh Penguins winger Kevin Hayes, who also played with Johnny and Matthew at Boston College, shared a photo of Johnny with his nephew Beau—the late NHL player Jimmy Hayes' son—on Instagram under the username kphayes12. Hayes added in the caption, "Love you John! Say hello to Beau's Dad for me." Hayes also shared a carousel of images featuring Johnny on Instagram and wrote in part: "I can’t fathom the fact that I cannot call John again. He was the most humble, grounded, funniest, stubborn superstar I have ever seen. He was always told he was too small and used it to become the best. He was the best friend, father, husband, brother, son and teammate we all could ask for."
