Red Wings Among Those Mourning Loss of Johnny Gaudreau

The NHL community, including the Detroit Red Wings, are in mourning today after receiving the shocking news that Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed by an alledged drunk driver Thursday.

Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were riding bicycles when they were struck by a car belonging to Sean Higgins.

According to multiple reports, Higgins has been charged with two counts of death, by automobile in connection with the deaths of Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother, Matthew, 29.

Police say the driver was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol when he struck the Gaudreau brother while trying to pass a SUV on County Road 551 in Oldmans Township, N.J. The accident happened on the eve of the Gaudreau brothers’ sister’s wedding.

Larkin A Good Friend

New Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau, nicknamed Johnny Hockey early in his career, is a popular player, particularly within in the U.S. hockey community. Dylan Larkin and Gaudreau were good friends, evidenced by a Detroit Hockey Now story Detroit Hockey Now write two years ago. 

Larkin and Gaudreau first teamed up on the North American team at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Gaudreau (11 points) and Larkin (10), finished 1-2 in scoring for the USA at the 2017 World Championship. They also played together at the 2018 and 2019 World Championships.

The Red Wings, who have 10 American-born players on their roster,  issued a statement:

We join the entire hockey community in mourning the tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Sending our love and deepest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family, their friends, and the entire @BlueJacketsNHL Organization. ❤️ https://t.co/3ApozoN1hq

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) August 30, 2024

National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement acknowledging how Gaudreau had endeared himself to many fans with his engaging personality.

Gaudreau Leaves Behind Wife, Two Children

“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’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’. (But) he was more than just a dazzling hockey player.  He was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate. (He) endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

“(He) often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. The skilled playmaker participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.

Gaudreau leaves behind wife, Meredith, children Noa and Johnny, parents Guy and Jane and sisters Kristen and Katie.

The Grand Rapids Griffins put out this on X, formerly known as Twitter:

The Griffins extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, including our many alumni who were fortunate to play with them on other teams throughout the years 🫶 https://t.co/kWTmXridm1

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) August 30, 2024