Long-time Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew killed by suspected drunk driver

Columbus Blue Jackets winger and former Calgary Flame Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver as they rode their bicycles in New Jersey on Thursday night.

Johnny Gaudreau was 31 years old. His brother Matthew was 29.

In a statement provided to WBZ-TV, Jim Gaudreau said the family is reeling.

“Last night, we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two amazing humans.

“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief. From all our families and the bottom of our hearts. (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce families.”

The Calgary Flames say they’re mourning the “tragic death of their friend” and his brother, the team said on X. “Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.

“It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community.”

The Flames go on to extend their condolences to his wife and children, parents Jane and Guy, and sisters Kristen and Katie.

The National Hockey League says it is “shocked and saddened” by the tragic passing of the brothers.

“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path,” the league said.

New Jersey State police said the brothers were riding their bikes on County Route 551 at around 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday when they were struck by the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Salem County, a New Jersey suburb. Both Gaudreau brothers died from their injuries.

The male driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins of N.J., remained at the scene. New Jersey State Police said Higgins was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He faces two counts of death by auto and remains in police custody.

The two brothers were in Salem County for their sister’s wedding, expected to be held on Friday.

Gaudreau was a father to two young children, daughter Noa, and son Johnny with his wife Meredith.

‘Johnny Hockey’ remembered as one of league’s elite wingers

Born and raised in Salem, N.J., Johnny Gaudreau was named the 2014 Hobey Baker Award winner as the best NCAA player. The Calgary Flames drafted him out of Boston College in the 4th round of the 2011 NHL Draft.

He played nine seasons in Calgary, emerging as one of the league’s best-scoring wingers.

Johnny Gaudreau, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” scored 24 goals and finished with 64 points in his first season with the Flames, leading to being named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy for the NHL’s best rookie. He won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s most gentlemanly player for the 2016–17 season.

He recorded 115 points as a member of the Flames during the 2021-22 season, with 14 points in 12 playoff games. It was the second-most regular-season points ever for a Calgary Flame, behind only Kent Nilsson in 1980–81.

Johnny Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in 2022. He played two seasons in Columbus, registering 134 points across 161 regular season games.

Matthew Gaudreau also attended Boston College and played professional hockey in the ECHL for several seasons with the Reading Royals and Worcester Railers. He also appeared in AHL games with the Stockton Heat and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, and his two children, Noa and Johnny.