A makeshift memorial was erected Friday on the side of a road in Salem County, New Jersey, where Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed Thursday night.
Mourners laid bouquets at the intersection of Pennsville Auburn Road and Stumpy Lane in Pendricktown for the brother and sister who were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver the night before their sister's Friday wedding.
A mini hockey stick at the scene also had the words “RIP Johnny 'Hockey' Gaudreau” written on it, a reference to his nickname.
A few miles away in Columbus, NHL fans left flowers and mementos outside Nationwide Arena, where Gaudreau played the past two seasons with the Blue Jackets.
“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 Blue Jackets said in a statement Friday morning.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Johnny and Matthew's wife Meredith, their children Noah and Johnny, their parents, their families and friends on the sudden passing of both men.”
Gaudreau, who married his wife Meredith in September 2021, was 31. Matthew was 29.
The Gaudreau family broke their silence Friday afternoon, thanking people who sent messages of support.
“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,” family patriarch Jim Gaudreau said in a statement. Obtained by WBZ-TV.
Check out the NY Post's coverage of the tragic death of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau at age 31.
“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 continued respect and privacy during this very difficult time of grief. With the deepest of hearts, our entire family and the (Gaudreau, Morris, Kolbitz, Venero and Joyce families)
Gaudreau, a former Boston University player, began his NHL career with the Calgary Flames after being selected 104th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.
He signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with Columbus in July 2022 after nine years with Calgary.
Police said he and Matthew were riding their bicycles along County Road 551 in Oldsman Township, New Jersey, on Thursday night when they were struck by a vehicle and Matthew later died from his injuries.
Sean Higgins, 43, was charged with two counts of causing death by motor vehicle and allegedly told officers he had drunk “five or six beers” before the horrific incident.
