Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew die in tragic accident

The NHL and Blue Jackets did not comment on the cause of death. Still, reports began circulating on social media Thursday night that Gaudreau and his brother were killed after they were struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles in Salem County, N.J., which is where they grew up. New Jersey State Police have since confirmed that to CBS News Philadelphia and other outlets.

Johnny and Matthew were riding bicycles on County Route 551 in their hometown of Oldmans Township when they were struck by a man driving a Jeep. The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, attempted to pass a slower vehicle when he hit the Gaudreau brothers.

Higgins was suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.

The Calgary Flames selected Gaudreau in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He then played three years at Boston College and earned the nickname “Johnny Hockey” while helping the Eagles win a national championship in 2012.

Gaudreau spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career in Calgary before signing with the Blue Jackets prior to 2022-23, a decision that came as a shock to many.

A Calder Trophy finalist in 2015, Gaudreau scored a career-high 40 goals and had 115 points during his final season with Calgary in 2021-22. He had 243 goals and 743 points in 763 career NHL games.

Gaudreau leaves a wife, Meredith, and two young children, Noa and Johnny.