The NHL and Columbus Blue Jackets have confirmed the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. New Jersey State police have confirmed the pair were hit while riding their bicycles; alcohol is suspected to be involved.
New Jersey State Police said Gaudreau was one of two cyclists struck and killed by a car in Salem County, New Jersey. Gaudreau’s younger brother, Matthew, 29, was the other victim in the crash, police confirmed.
Adding to the heartbreak, the brothers were set to attend their sister Katie’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
According to police, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when a man driving in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say the driver is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto and jailed.
Johnny Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” was entering his 12th season in the National Hockey League, his third with Columbus after spending his first nine seasons with Calgary.
