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Sports world reacts to death of Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau
Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed Thursday in New Jersey after reportedly being struck by a vehicle while they were riding bicycles.
The Gaudreau brothers grew up in Oldmans Township, New Jersey (where the accident occurred) and later played at Boston College. The 31-year-old Johnny led the Eagles to their most recent NCAA title in 2012 when he was a freshman playing under iconic head coach Jerry York.
"Johnny Hockey" was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft before attending Boston College.
He was a six-time All-Star with the Flames and won the 2016-17 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who "exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability" before signing with the Blue Jackets in July 2022. Johnny made his seventh and final All-Star team during the 2022-23 campaign.
When news of the tragedy broke on Friday morning, social media was flooded with reactions from former teammates, as well as media members and athletes across the entire sports world.
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Completely gutted. The world just lost one of the best. RIP Johnny pic.twitter.com/cgjqEAcHJ4
— Blake Coleman (@BColes25) August 30, 2024
I don’t know why I’m even writing right now I’m shaking but Johnny was one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever played with.
— Eddie Lack (@eddielack) August 30, 2024
Always happy, always spreading positivity around him. Rest in Peace my friend and prayers for your wonderful family.
Hug your loved ones.
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh
The definitive Johnny Gaudreau forever young hockey moment. 12 years ago. He's 18 years old. Ices the 2012 NCAA Championship game. Comically quick feet, hands, and brain. His comp for me was always Allen Iverson--I covered both in college. Impossibly small and skinny (JG MIGHT be… pic.twitter.com/dMe7WY2gtZ
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) August 30, 2024
According to an ESPN report, police said that the driver of the vehicle that hit the Gaudreau brothers struck them from behind "while trying to pass an SUV on the right that had moved over to make way for the two cyclists." Furthermore, the report added that the driver is "suspected of being under the influence of alcohol" and has been charged with two counts of death by auto, though there is an ongoing investigation.
Johnny and Matthew were reportedly back in their hometown for their sister's wedding on Friday. They were scheduled to be groomsmen.
There are simply no words to describe the death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew last night as they were biking in New Jersey, on the eve of their sister's wedding. He was first known as Johnny Hockey at Boston College when he was one of the greatest players in our…
— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) August 30, 2024
Insane man! ♂️ . I instantly got so downand sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2024
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