NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew killed after being struck by vehicle in New Jersey

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his member Matthew person died successful what the squad called an "unimaginable tragedy." Johnny Gaudreau was 31, and Matthew was 29.

The brothers were riding bicycles erstwhile were struck and killed by a conveyance connected Thursday nighttime successful Salem County, New Jersey.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, arsenic good arsenic New Jersey authorities troopers, confirmed the passing of the Gaudreau brothers Friday morning.

The clang astir 8:30 p.m. connected Pennsville Auburn Road. According to New Jersey State Police, the operator did enactment astatine the scene.

The squad posted to societal media, saying they are "shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy."
"Johnny played the crippled with large joyousness which was felt by everyone that saw him connected the ice," the Blue Jackets wrote. "He brought a genuine emotion for hockey with him everyplace helium played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans successful a mode lone Johnny Hockey could. The interaction helium had connected our enactment and our athletics was profound, but pales successful examination to the indelible content helium made connected everyone who knew him."

Gaudreau played successful 11 NHL seasons for the Flames and Blue Jackets. He joined Columbus for the 2022-23 play and posted 12 goals and 48 assists successful 81 games past season.

"The National Hockey League household is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets guardant Johnny Gaudreau and his member Matthew," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said successful a statement. "While Johnny's infectious tone for the crippled and show-stopping skills connected the crystal earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' helium was much than conscionable a dazzling hockey player; helium was a doting begetter and beloved husband, son, member and teammate who endeared himself to each idiosyncratic fortunate capable to person crossed his path."

Matthew Gaudreau besides played astatine Boston College and for assorted teams successful the insignificant leagues.