The family of Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew broke their silence Friday to remember the siblings as “two truly amazing people” following their deaths in New Jersey when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver.
“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, a brother-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates and two friends. Two truly amazing human beings,” Gaudreau's father, Jim Gaudreau, said in a statement. Statement to news station WBZ-TV
“We want everyone to know that we receive your messages of love and support. We thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult time of grief,” the statement continued.
The tragic incident happened just one day before the brothers were due to be groomsmen at a wedding. Sister Katie's wedding To Devin Joyce, a hockey player from Gloucester City, New Jersey.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also reflected on Gaudreau's “infectious” spirit: Friday statement.
“Johnny's passion for the game and his incredible skill on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' but he was much more than just a great hockey player. He was a loving father, a cherished husband, son, brother and teammate and a person beloved by all who were fortunate enough to know him.” Bettman says:.
The team announced the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Friday morning, X.
According to police, the brothers were riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, around 8 p.m. Thursday when they were struck and killed by a vehicle driven by a suspected drunk driver.
The suspected drunk driver, Shawn Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, has been charged with two counts of causing death by motor vehicle in connection with the devastating crash.
New Jersey State Police said Higgins had a vacant look in his mugshot, taken after the incident as he drove north in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and an SUV.
Authorities say the man changed into the southbound lane to try to pass a slower vehicle.
Higgins then attempted to pass the sedan and rejoin the northbound lanes, but the SUV in front of him moved into the center of the road to safely pass a bicyclist who was traveling on the right side of the road.
Officers said the man then tried to pass an SUV on the right and struck the brothers from behind.
According to a police affidavit, officers who arrived on the scene detected a “strong odor of alcohol.”
Higgins allegedly told officers he had drunk “five or six beers” before the fatal crash.
A native of Salem, New Jersey, Gaudreau played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, appearing in 81 games last season and recording 48 points.
Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29.
Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two children, 1-year-old Noah and 6-month-old Johnny.
