CARNEYS POINT, NJ (AP) Johnny Gaudreau, an NHL player, and his younger brother were killed Thursday night when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey, according to police.

Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, Matthew, 29, are from Carneys Point, New Jersey, and were in town for their sister Katie’s wedding in Philadelphia on Friday, when they were to be groomsmen.

According to New Jersey State Police, the Gaudreau brothers were riding on a road when a guy traveling in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind, resulting in fatal injuries

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Police stated the motorist, Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.

“Just devastating news for all of us connected with the Gaudreau family,” Jerry York, the Gaudreau boys’ coach at Boston College, told The Associated Press over the phone. “We all had a great admiration for Matty and Johnny. Wonderful young men, and they impressed many of us off the rink.”
The Blue Jackets described it as an unfathomable tragedy.

“Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” according to the team’s statement. “Everyone who saw Johnny on the ice could feel his excitement as he played the game. He carried a true passion of hockey with him wherever he played.”

Gaudreau, at 5’9″ and 180 pounds, was part of a generation

Gaudreau, a fourth-round choice by Calgary in 2011, helped Boston College win the NCAA title in 2012 and received the Hobey Baker Award as the country’s outstanding college player in 2014.

Gaudreau was named to the NHL all-rookie team in his first season and finished third in the Calder Trophy voting for rookie of the year in 2014-15.

Since entering the league, Gaudreau has averaged a point per game, scoring 642 points in 644 regular season and playoff games. He departed the Flames in 2022 to sign a seven-year, roughly $69 million contract with the Blue Jackets, relocating him and his young family to central Ohio, closer to his family in New Jersey.

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“I don’t know why I’m even writing this right now; I’m shaking, but Johnny was one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever played with,” retired goaltender Eddie Lack said. “He is constantly pleasant and spreads positivity around him. Rest in peace, dear buddy, and prayers for your great family. “Hug your loved ones.”

NBA superstar LeBron James, who is from Akron, Ohio, said he was instantly saddened by the news.

“My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family,” he stated.” “May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above.”

Gaudreau holds the men’s world championship records for a US player with 30 assists and 43 points, having broken Patrick Kane’s record earlier this year.