The tragic news of the deaths of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau has devastated the National Hockey League (NHL) and the sports community. Both died last Thursday, August 29, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, after being hit by a driver who, according to the police, was under the influence of alcohol.
Local media reports that the accident occurred while the brothers were riding their bicycles on a road. The driver, in an attempt to overtake other vehicles on the right, hit the Gaudreau from behind, causing fatal injuries to both. The person responsible for the accident is in custody while the investigation continues.
They were in their home state to attend their sister Katie’s wedding.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, was one of the NHL’s most beloved stars, popularly known as Johnny Hockey. During his 11 seasons in the league, he played for the Calgary Flames and most recently the Columbus Blue Jackets, with whom he was about to begin his third season. His younger brother, Matthew, 29, was also linked to hockey, although not at the same professional level.
The Gaudreau brothers were in their home state to attend their sister Katie’s wedding, where they were set to serve as groomsmen. A family celebration transformed into a tragedy, leaving their loved ones and the hockey community in deep mourning.
This is how they remember the hockey star.
The Columbus Blue Jackets expressed their grief in a statement, describing the brothers’ loss as an “unimaginable tragedy.”” They emphasized not only Johnny’s talent on the ice, but also his human quality and the positive impact he had on everyone who knew him, both inside and outside of the sport.
“Johnny was not only a great hockey player but also a husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” they said via social media. “Johnny played hockey with great joy that was felt by everyone who watched him on the ice. He carried a genuine love of hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans like only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on everyone who knew him.” This is how the athlete was remembered by his team.
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