Blue Jackets star, brother, killed after suspected drunk driver crashes into bicycles

A shining light for the Columbus Blue Jackets (CBJ)–and the National Hockey League as a whole–has gone out.

According to an Associated Press (AP) report, CBJ star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, 29, were killed after a suspected drunk driver struck them in New Jersey. The two were natives of New Jersey, and were in the area for their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for this weekend.

The AP report noted that, according to New Jersey State Police, Gadreau and his brother were cycling on a road, and were hit by a vehicle that attempted to pass two other vehicles from behind.

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Police named Sean M. Higgins as the driver, and noted he was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol at the time. He was taken into custody at the Salem County (New Jersey) Correctional Facility.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by the unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the Blue Jackets wrote on their X account this morning. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, his family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew (Gaudreau’s brother).”

Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau had 243 career goals. He was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL Draft, and joined the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.

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