Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed in car-bike crash

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Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed in car-bike crash​

Columbia Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed Thursday when they were struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles, New Jersey State Police said in a release Friday. Johnny Gaudreau was 31; Matthew was 29. According to police, a driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit two "pedalcyclists," identified as the Gaudreaus, from behind while trying to pass an SUV on the right that had moved over to make way for the two cyclists. Police, who responded to the scene in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, at 8:19 p.m., said both Gaudreaus suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene some 35 miles south of Philadelphia. Both brothers, who were New Jersey natives, had been in the area to be groomsmen in their sister Katie's wedding that was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.

Johnny Gaudreau played in 11 NHL seasons for the Flames and Blue Jackets. He joined Columbus on a seven-year contract starting with the 2022-23 season. He was an All-Star in 2023 and posted 12 goals and 48 assists in 81 games last season. Drafted by the Flames in the fourth round in 2011, Johnny Gaudreau attended Boston College, where he earned his "Johnny Hockey" nickname as he helped the Eagles win a national title in 2012. He won two straight Hockey East Player of the Year awards and was the 2014 winner of the Hobey Baker Award, which goes to the top men's college player in the nation. Matthew Gaudreau also played hockey at Boston College and for various teams in the minor leagues. Johnny Gaudreau was 31; Matthew was 29.

The driver, Sean Higgins, 43, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. According to the probable cause affidavit, Higgins told police that he had five or six beers before the crash and had tried to go around the SUV on the right side after thinking the other vehicle was trying to block him from passing. He told police his drinking contributed to "his impatience and reckless driving." Higgins failed a field sobriety test, according to the affidavit.

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LeBron James, Mike Trout and NHL World Pay Tribute To Johnny And Matthew Gaudreau
Lebron James also commented on the situation ... saying, "Insane man! I instantly go so down and sad."...Mike Trout -- a South Jersey native like the brothers -- said he was devastated by the news of their passing ... and that his condolences were with his family....The hockey world is also remembering the brothers ... with Hendrik Lundqvist -- the former goalie of the New York Rangers -- describing the entire situation as "So Hard To Believe
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R.I.P

Alleged Johnny Gaudreau Killer Told Cops He had '5-6 Beers' Before Crash, Police Say
Law enforcement also wrote in the documents that Higgins told officers "his consumption of alcoholic beverages contributed to his impatience and reckless driving."
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Sean Higgins was ultimately arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.