OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, NJ – In a horrific accident on Thursday night, NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were fatally struck by a car while cycling. The incident occurred in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, and the police suspected drunk driving was involved. The Gaudreau brothers were preparing for their sister’s wedding.
New Jersey State Police’s Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron confirmed that the collision occurred when 43-year-old Sean Higgins attempted to overtake another car and collided with the brothers. Both Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were declared dead at the scene. Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto and is currently detained at the Salem County Correctional Facility. As per the judge, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
Authorities said a “strong odor” of alcohol was detected from Higgins’s breath at the crash site. The suspect confessed to drinking five to six beers before the incident, subsequently failing a sobriety test.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, where Johnny belonged, expressed their shock and extended heartfelt sympathies to the Gaudreau family in a statement released on Friday. Known as “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau was appreciated for his extraordinary offensive play and remarkable scoring ability. The player was a fan-favorite at Calgary Flames, where he was drafted in 2011 and made seven All-Star Game appearances. He also signed a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets in 2022.
Johnny’s NHL career was inspired by his father’s lessons on skating as a child in New Jersey, a story he often narrated. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman commended Johnny’s youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. Boston College coach Jerry York, where Johnny and Matthew played together, referred to them as “great human beings” while expressing his grief. Matthew Gaudreau, after retiring from professional hockey, continued the family legacy as the head coach at their former school, Gloucester Catholic High School.
Condolences have poured in from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, and many others. The police are investigating the crash further.