Everything we know about NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s death at hands of suspected drunk driver

NHL star player Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother were pronounced dead on Thursday night at the hands of a suspected drunk driver in New Jersey.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were cycling on a rural road in Oldsman Township when a man driving in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck both brothers from behind, killing them on impact.

The accused driver, Sean Higgins, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and is now charged with two counts of death by auto.

Higgins, 43, was traveling northbound in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and an SUV at approximately 8:20 p.m. Thursday night.

When bypassing the slower-moving sedan, Higgins entered the southbound lanes before trying to re-enter the northbound lanes, according to The Columbus Dispatch. As a result, the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass the brothers biking on the right side of the roadway. Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two brothers in the rear. The brothers were in the area for their sister, Katie's, wedding, as they were both groomsmen at the wedding scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. Johnny, known as "Johnny Hockey," has played 11 professional seasons in the league and was going into his third with the Blue Jackets. In a statement, the Columbus Blue Jackets expressed their shock and devastation by the 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 hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets."

Tags

New Jersey, Dead