Johnny Gaudreau accident: Blue Jackets star dies after being hit by vehicle while cycling with his brother

Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died after being hit by a car while riding their bicycles on Thursday night, according to a press release from the New Jersey State Police.

Johnny Goudreau was 31, while Matthew Goudreau was 29.

According to the police report, the driver of an SUV hit Johnny and Matthew Goudreau while attempting to pass another vehicle from the right, which had moved over to make room for Goudreau. The driver is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, and has been charged with two counts of death by auto.

The accident happened at 8:19 p.m. in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, and the Goudreys suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

“Johnny played the game with a tremendous joy that was felt by everyone who watched him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets wrote in a statement. “He brought a true love of hockey everywhere he went, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames, Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. His impact on our organization and our sport was profound, but that pales in comparison to the indelible mark he left on everyone who knew him.”

The Blue Jackets also called Gaudreus’ death an “unimaginable tragedy.”

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “While Johnny’s passionate spirit for the game and outstanding performance on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was not just a fantastic hockey player; he was a loving father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who was beloved by everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path.”

Johnny and Matthew Goudreau, who are originally from South Jersey, were in town to be friends of the groom at their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.

Like Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau also played collegiate hockey at Boston College, while also playing for several AHL and ECHL teams.

Johnny Gaudreau was originally a fourth-round pick of the Calgary Flames in 2011 after a stellar career at Boston College. While playing at the collegiate level, he won the Hobey Baker Award as the country’s top college player. Gaudreau spent the first nine seasons of his professional career with the Flames and compiled 609 points (210 goals and 399 assists) during that time. He was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team in 2015, and scored a career-best 115 points during the 2021-22 season before signing with the Blue Jackets.