Tragedy strikes: NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed in New Jersey accident

Tributes pour in from around the world, including Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and NBA legend LeBron James

NEW JERSEY:

Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew have tragically died after being struck by a vehicle while cycling in New Jersey, the National Hockey League (NHL) and the team announced on Friday.

Gaudreau, aged 31, had played 11 seasons as a forward in the NHL with both the Calgary Flames and the Blue Jackets. He earned the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey’ due to his enthusiasm for the sport and his dynamic skills on the ice.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his sorrow in a statement: "The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Johnny often shared stories of learning to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey, and he carried that passion throughout his 11 seasons in the NHL."

According to the New Jersey State Police, the fatal incident occurred on Thursday when the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee struck the Gaudreau brothers from behind while attempting to pass an SUV. The SUV had moved aside to make way for Johnny and Matthew, aged 29. The collision resulted in fatal injuries, and authorities are investigating the incident. The driver is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto.

The Blue Jackets released a heartfelt statement: "Johnny played the game with great joy, a joy felt by everyone who watched him. From Boston College to the Calgary Flames, Team USA, and the Blue Jackets, Johnny’s love for hockey was evident everywhere. He thrilled fans like only 'Johnny Hockey' could. His impact on our organisation and the sport was profound, though it pales in comparison to the lasting impression he made on everyone who knew him."

Gaudreau, selected by Calgary as the 104th pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, had a standout rookie season in 2014-15, scoring 24 goals and 64 points, helping the Flames return to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. In 2017, he won the NHL’s Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship, skill, and gentlemanly conduct. His best season came in 2021-22, where he finished second in the league with 115 points.

During the off-season, Gaudreau became one of the top unrestricted free agents and signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets. In 2023, he was named an NHL All-Star for the seventh time in his career. Across 763 NHL regular season games, Gaudreau recorded 243 goals and 500 assists.

The Calgary Flames also paid tribute: "Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was, and always will be, a beloved member of the Flames family. It was a privilege to have him as our teammate for nine amazing years, during which he became not only a superstar on the ice but a cherished member of our community."

Gaudreau’s death prompted tributes from across the sports world, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NBA star LeBron James. Trudeau wrote on X, "Johnny Gaudreau may have come up from the States, but hockey fans in Calgary, and across Canada, will remember him as one of our own." LeBron James added: "My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high and watch over their loved ones."