Columbus Blue Jackets announce death of Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Friday that star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died Thursday night in a bike accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

Gaudreau was 31, while his brother was 29.

Gaudreau and his brother were struck by a car while cycling. The driver of the car was arrested and charged with two counts of driving under the influence and death by auto, according to Mike Greenberg of ESPN. Per The Columbus Dispatch, Gaudreau and his brother were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding Friday in Philadelphia.

Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, daughter, Noa and son, Johnny.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the Blue Jackets said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. 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. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.

“He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community whe he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”

This story is developing…

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