Hockey World In Mourning As Johnny Gaudreau Killed In Biking Accident

A devastating tragedy has struck the hockey world, as Columbus Blue Jackets and former Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau has been killed, along with his brother Matthew in a cycling accident in New Jersey after they were struck by a suspected drunk driver.

Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024

Police say the two were killed while riding their bicycles when they were struck by a car at about 8:30 Thursday night, close to their hometown in Salem County, New Jersey. The driver, who is alleged to have been under the influence, has now been charged.

Adding to the unfathomable heartbreak, the Gaudreaus were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding on Friday in Philadelphia.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, is survived by two young children, a daughter, Noa, and a son, Johnny, and his wife Meredith.

Matthew, 29, is a former professional hockey player in the AHL and ECHL.

The Blue Jackets statement reads:

"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. 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. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that 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."

Commissioner Bettman’s statement on the today’s news ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/yVrJ37KWeP
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) August 30, 2024

Commissioner Bettman's statement reads:

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” Bettman said in the statement. “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.”

Johnny Hockey took Calgary by storm as a 21-year-old in 2014 and for eight years dazzled Flames fans, as both a goal-scorer and even moreso as a playmaker, topped by his final season there, 2021-22, when he racked up a career-high 115 points on 40 goals and 75 assists with an incredible league-leading plus/minus of +64. Overall, he posted 743 points in 763 career games, and his Hall of Fame candidacy will now be discussed, far, far too soon.

NHLTR sends its heartfelt condolences to the Gaudreau family, their friends and his teammates.