NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed by drunk driver in NJ a day before their sister Katie's wedding

SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were tragically killed in a car accident on Thursday evening, August 29, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

The brothers were struck by a car while riding their bikes, just one day before they were to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce.

The driver of the car, identified as Sean Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.

He was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto after reportedly hitting the brothers while trying to maneuver around an SUV on County Route 551, New York Post reported.

Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau remembered for their impact on-and-off the ice

The Gaudreau brothers are remembered for their impact on-and-off the ice. Johnny was a star player known as "Johnny Hockey" for his elite play in the NHL.

He began his career at Boston College where he won the prestigious Hobey Baker Award in 2014. This award is given to the best hockey player in college.

Johnny was drafted by the Calgary Flames and played eight seasons with them before signing a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.

Known for his sportsmanship and offensive prowess, Johnny was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017.

Matthew Gaudreau, 29, also played at Boston College before pursuing a career in minor-league hockey.

He played for several teams, most recently for the Worcester Railers in 2022. Over the last two years, Matthew had been the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School's hockey team in New Jersey.

Columbus Blue Jackets pays tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

The Columbus Blue Jackets expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," the team shared in a statement on X.

"Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family, and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew," they said in a statement.

"Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets," The Blue Jackets further added.

"He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him," the statement further stated.

LeBron James mourns the loss of Johnny Gaudreau, calls him an 'insane man'

Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Meredith Gaudreau, and their two young children—daughter Noa who will turn two in October and son Johnny who is just seven months old.

Matthew Gaudreau is survived by his wife of three years, Madeline Gaudreau. 

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the sports community. NBA star LeBron James mourned the tragic loss on X.

"Insane man! I instantly got so down and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above," he wrote.

Internet mourns 'gut-wrenching' death of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau 

The loss of the Gaudreau brothers has left many of the sports community heartbroken while many on social media are yet to come to terms with the "tragic story." 

One person wrote on X, "Wow, this is gut-wrenching. Rest in peace Johnny and Matthew. Also, pray for their sister who was supposed to get married either today or tomorrow."

Another user added, "The hockey world will be hurting for a long time."

Others shared their disbelief, with one user commenting, "Man, I was hoping this wasn’t true. Absolutely terrible."

"Johnny Gaudreau will forever be an NHL legend. Rest in peace," wrote one more.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.