Columbus Blue Jackets Johnny Gaudreau died in NJ crash involving suspicious drunk driver

Gaudreau 31 was the Blue Jackets best forward after signing in July 2022 as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames.

According to post on famous wedding site Gaudreau and his brother were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sister wedding Friday in Philadelphia.

Gaudreau had 2 young kids a daughter Noa and son Johnny with his spouse Meredith and pair were born in Columbus.

Blue Jackets mega star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died Thursday night the group said.

Police add they were killed while biking Thursday night in Oldmans Township NJ close to their hometown in Salem County NJ.

How did Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau die?

The New Jersey state police told the Gaudreau brother died after suspicious drunk driver crashed into them shortly after 8 pm.

Sean Higgins the driver was suspected of being under the control of alcohol and police charged him with two counts of death by auto and took him to the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Higgins drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on a county road when he pulled behind a sedan and SUV. He tried to pass the slower moving sedan and SUV before entering the road southbound lanes.

The SUV in front of Higgins moved to middle of the road dividing the north and south lanes to pass the Gaudreau brothers traveling north on their bikes.

Higgins tried to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two bicyclists in rear the highway patrol add,

The brothers suffered fatal injuries.

Gaudreau death occured after three years Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivleniels was killed in fireworks incident on July 4, 2021 in Novi, Michigan at home of Manny Legacy the team former goalie coach.

Gaudreau led the Blue Jackets with 12-48-60 in 81 games last season the second year in a row Gaudreau led the team in point.

The Blue Jackets released the statement Friday morning.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this 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 parent their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”