NHL start Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, are dead after being struck by a suspected drunk driver Thursday, USA Today reported. The 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets forward and his 29-year-old brother were struck and killed while bicycling on a rural road on the eve of their sister's wedding.
The accident occurred around 8:20 p.m. in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, which is not far from the town where the brothers grew up. New Jersey State Police say that the driver, Sean Higgins, 43, was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The brothers were groomsmen in their sister's wedding that was happening the following day. Meanwhile, Gaudreau was poised for a promising season after spending his off-season training and playing for the United States team in the world championship against Czechia. He walked away from the tournament with three goals and eight assists.
During the regular season, Gaudreau led his team in scoring for the second year, finishing 81 games last season with a 12-48-60 record for the Blue Jackets. However, a series of bad decisions cut his life short.
Police say Higgins was driving in his Jeep Grand Cherokee in the northbound lanes when he attempted to pass a sedan and SUV in front of him in the lane. Higgins crossed into the southbound lanes to get around the slower-moving vehicles.
State troopers believe as Higgins tried to reenter the northbound lane, the SUV moved over to the left to accommodate the bicyclists. It was then that Higgins attempted to pass the SUV on the right and hit the brothers.
Their injuries were fatal to both men, whom CNN reported were supposed to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding the following day in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, their family is now planning for their burials.
"Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol," a statement from State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron revealed. In an affidavit filed Friday, Higgins admitted to having as many as six beers before getting behind the wheel that day.
"Mr. Higgins explicitly stated to the effect that his consumption of alcoholic beverages contributed to his impatience and reckless driving, which resulted in the motor vehicle accident," the legal filing said. Higgins was charged with two second-degree vehicular homicide counts and will remain in jail without bond until his hearing Thursday.
Those closest to the brothers are feeling the loss most acutely. "Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans," their uncle Jim Gaudreau posted to Facebook Friday on behalf of the family.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support, and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers," he added. The Blue Jackets also shared news of the loss of the beloved "Johnny Hockey" in a statement.
"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," the statement went on.
"He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him."
The circumstances of this family's loss are especially tragic as this was supposed to be a time of joy for the family. Instead, they're mourning the loss of beloved wo family members because of the alleged recklessness of another.
