New details regarding the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau have surfaced following the shocking news of his demise.
The Columbus Blue Jackets star was the victim of a fatal collision on Thursday night, having gotten struck along with his brother, Matthew, while they were riding their bikes in Salem County.
The brothers were there for their sister Katie’s wedding and were meant to be groomsmen on Friday, but they would not make it back home, thanks to a drunk driver.
According to police, Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were struck on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township at 8:19 PM on Thursday (H/T USA TODAY).
The driver in question, Sean Higgins, was in a Jeep Grand Cherokee going north when he tried overtaking two vehicles ahead of him and entered the southbound lanes. An SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway to safely pass the brothers as they rode on the right side of the road.
Higgins then tried passing and hit them both.
Forever Massive 🖤💛
Tonight, we held a moment of silence in memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. Our hearts go out to the Gaudreau family, the Blue Jackets and our community. pic.twitter.com/G8w73v1Hya
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) September 1, 2024
Investigators noted that Higgins was suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol. He has since been charged with two counts of death by auto and is in custody at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Family Plans Wrecked
The NHL released a statement on Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s passing on Friday.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.
“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.”
Alleged drunk driver who fatally struck Johnny Gaudreau, brother lets out exasperated sigh as he’s ordered held another week behind bars https://t.co/DcBkFhRQeO pic.twitter.com/f5Pf7Gf0Ho
— New York Post (@nypost) August 30, 2024
Johnny’s sister was forced to call off her wedding while their family mourns.
Our thoughts go out to them.
