Columbus fans paid tribute to former Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau on Friday, leaving flowers and mementos outside Nationwide Arena in memory of his tragic death.
Photos posted on social media showed a growing memorial fire outside the Blue Jackets' home arena as the NHL community mourned the deaths of Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey on Thursday evening ahead of his sister Katie's Friday wedding.
“Fans have started a memorial at the entrance. So far flowers, hats and hockey sticks have been left. We are hopeful that there will be many more fans as they come to pay their respects to Johnny Hockey,” The Hockey Writer Mark Scheig posted on X on Friday.
X user @eliweisblat15 Another image shared It features a red Blue Jackets hat and hockey stick, as well as a bouquet and a single flower.
Check out the NY Post's coverage of the tragic death of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau at age 31.
Flowers were also laid at a roadside memorial at the scene of the crash in Oldman's Township, New Jersey, on Friday.
Gaudreau came out of Boston University and was selected 104th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL Draft, where he spent nine seasons with the Flames before spending the past two years in Columbus.
He was 31 years old.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and heartbroken by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but above all else, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the team said in a statement Friday.
The Blue Jackets extended their condolences to Gaudreau's wife, Meredith, and his two children, Noah and Johnny.
The two got married in September 2021.
“We offer our prayers to the Gaudreau family at this time and ask that their privacy be respected during their time of grief.” The statement concluded:.
Gaudreau and Matthew, both 29, were riding their bicycles along County Road 551 in Oldsman Township, New Jersey when they were struck.
The brothers died from their injuries, and suspect Shawn Higgins, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was charged with two counts of causing death by motor vehicle, authorities said.
He allegedly told officers he had “drank five or six beers,” according to a police affidavit. Obtained by ABC6 Philadelphia.
Katie's wedding has been cancelled following the tragic incident, church officials said. Confirmed by TMZ on friday.
