NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Brother Killed in Bike Accident
Professional hockey player Johnny Gaudreau has died. He was 31 years old.
According to Philadelphia’s local ABC News affiliate, Guadreau and his brother, Matthew, 29, were struck and killed Thursday night while riding their bicycles in Salem County, N.J. The driver was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
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Guadreau, who previously played for eight seasons as a member of the Calgary Flames, had served as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ top forward since 2022. On Friday, the Blue Jackets released the following statement:
The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. 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.
Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockev with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockev could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.
Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.
Gaudreau — who was nicknamed “Johnny Hockey” — played for the Boston College Eagles for three years, before he was drafted by the Flames in 2014. That same year, he was the recipient of the Hobey Baker Award (given to the best player in the NCAA).
During his first full NHL season, he was selected as a member of the 2014 NHL All-Rookie team, and to play in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game. He was also a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist for the league’s best rookie.
He is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two children — daughter Noa, 2, and son Johnny, 7 months.
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