The player, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” and his younger brother, Matthew, were struck and killed by an SUV one day before they were to appear in their sister’s wedding.
The brothers were on a bike ride together near their family home in New Jersey, just one day before they were to serve as groomsmen in their sister’s wedding. But a terrible accident has instead thrust the family of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau into tragedy.
Gaudreau — a popular player nicknamed “Johnny Hockey” for his ethereal abilities on the ice — and his younger brother, Matthew, were struck and killed by an SUV driven by a man suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Gaudreau, 31, was a forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He had previously played for the Calgary Flames after starring at Boston College. He and Matthew had gathered with family in New Jersey to prepare for their sister Katie’s wedding, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 30.
“He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could”, the Blue Jackets said on Friday. But more important than Gaudreau’s outsized talent, the organization said, was his role as a loving father, son and husband.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.
