(Photo : Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 17: Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets in motion in opposition to the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on February 17, 2024 in San Jose, California.
Tragic information has shaken the sports activities world as NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew had been killed in a motorcycle accident of their residence state of New Jersey. The 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets ahead, generally known as “Johnny Hockey,” was struck by a automotive whereas using bicycles together with his brother close to their residence in Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday night time.
The pair had been killed on the eve of their sister’s wedding ceremony when a suspected drunken driver of an SUV hit them. The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, tried to move two different autos, hitting them from behind, ensuing of their loss of life on the scene.
Higgins, who admitted having 5 – 6 beers earlier than the crash, was charged with two counts of loss of life by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motorcar.
Gaudreau, 31, and brother, Matt, 29, had been set to function groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding ceremony scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
Jim Gaudreau, the uncle of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, launched a press release on behalf of their household:
“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).”
Reactions from the Sports World
Reactions poured in from the sports activities world, with tributes from NBA star LeBron James, MLB star Mike Trout, and NHL groups and gamers. James wrote on his X account, “My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family’s from the heavens above.”
Trout, who’s from Millville, New Jersey, wrote, “Devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Sending my deepest condolences and love to their family.”
Tributes from the Hockey World
Tributes additionally got here from hockey, with former teammates and coaches expressing their shock and disappointment. Former Columbus normal supervisor Jarmo Kekalainen wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the news I received late last night. R.I.P. Johnny and Matthew, fine young men with beautiful family that seemed so close…gone way too soon.”
Columbus Blue Jackets assertion on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Former Calgary Flames normal supervisor Brad Treliving, who was the GM when Gaudreau performed for the Flames, wrote, “I am absolutely devastated by the news of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew’s passing… John was a truly special player, dazzling on the ice with his incredible talent, but what made him truly special was the person he was off the ice.”
Brad Treliving, girls and gents… to Johnny’s brothers GoFundMe.
In honour of #13.
😔🖤 https://t.co/4wmRbJ51c6 pic.twitter.com/811413znLd
— Zay (@BestOfZay) August 30, 2024
Johnny Gaudreau’s Career
Gaudreau performed ten full seasons within the NHL, scoring 743 factors (243 targets, 500 assists) in 763 regular-season video games. He was a virtually point-a-game participant with 776 factors in 805 regular-season and playoff video games. He gained the Lady Byng Trophy in 2017 for sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct, and a excessive normal of play.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce with out permission.
