Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Killed in Tragic New Jersey Crash
Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Killed in Tragic New Jersey Crash
**Fatal New Jersey Crash Claims the Lives of NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother Matthew – Obituary**
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday night. The tragic accident occurred just one day before the Gaudreau brothers were to stand as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding in Philadelphia.
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. on Pennsville Auburn Road (County Route 551) near Stumpy Lane. According to authorities, the brothers were biking along the side of the road when a Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, attempted to pass a slower-moving vehicle. Higgins allegedly entered the southbound lane before trying to reenter the northbound lane, where he struck the Gaudreau brothers from behind.
Police reports indicate that Higgins was under the influence of alcohol at the time, with the responding trooper noting a strong odor of alcohol. Higgins allegedly admitted to consuming “five to six beers” prior to the crash and subsequently failed a field sobriety test. He has been charged with two counts of death by auto and is currently being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, leaves behind his wife and two children, while his brother Matthew, 29, is survived by his wife. The brothers also leave behind their parents and two sisters. The news of their passing has sent shockwaves through the hockey community and beyond.
Johnny, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a celebrated player who began his journey at Gloucester Catholic High School in Camden County before advancing to the NHL, where he spent 11 seasons, most recently with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew, who also had a successful hockey career, returned to New Jersey to coach at Gloucester Catholic. The brothers were beloved figures in both the Philadelphia and New Jersey communities.
Tributes have poured in from various organizations, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Boston College, and the Philadelphia Flyers, all expressing their sorrow and highlighting the brothers’ impact both on and off the ice. The National Hockey League also issued a statement honoring Johnny’s legacy as a player and a person, emphasizing his contributions to the sport and the lives of those around him.
Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Killed in Tragic New Jersey Crash **Fatal New Jersey Crash Claims the Lives of NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother Matthew – Obituary** NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday…
Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Killed in Tragic New Jersey Crash **Fatal New Jersey Crash Claims the Lives of NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother Matthew – Obituary** NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday…