Johnny Gaudreau and crime scene (Photos via Getty Images and 6abc Philadelphia/YouTube)
The sports world is reeling today after the tragic news that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were reportedly killed in a bike accident in New Jersey on Thursday night.
The brothers were said to be riding bikes on a rural road in Oldmans Township when they were struck by a vehicle.
Fox News reported that the driver of that vehicle stayed on site.
More information has since come out, painting a grim picture of the brother’s last moments on Earth.
The driver that struck and killed Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
Fox 29 added that the 43-year-old used the oncoming lane to pass a sedan when he struck the two brothers when he re-entered the right lane.
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“Investigators said the deadly collision happened when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway to safely pass the two cyclists, and Higgins attempted to pass the SUV on the right.”
The mug shot of the man has since been released:
BREAKING: Booking photo Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, NJ charged with two counts of death by auto of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. pic.twitter.com/WIh5AHGuTm
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) August 30, 2024
To make matters worse, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were reportedly set to be groomsmen at their sister’s Philadelphia wedding on Friday.
Gaudreau played for the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames across 11 seasons in the NHL.
According to his stats on ESPN.com, he appeared in 81 games last season and scored 60 points.
The Columbus Blue Jackets Release Statement On Death of Johnny Gaudreau
Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, tragically lost their lives in a freak accident on Thursday.
The brothers were killed after they were struck by a car while riding bikes in Oldsman Township.
Not many wanted to believe the news on Johnny Gaudreau until the team released a statement confirming it was true.
“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,” their statement read.
“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.”
