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OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau is dead, killed in a bicycle accident last night in New Jersey.
His brother Matthew was also killed, not far from their hometown in Salem County when they were struck by a vehicle. The deaths were confirmed by the NHL and New Jersey State Police.
Police said Sean Higgins, the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, tried to pass another vehicle and hit the brothers. He’s suspected of being under the influence, according to police, and is charged with two counts of death by auto.
The two were set to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding today in Philadelphia. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league was shocked and saddened by the tragic passing.
The Blue Jackets said in a statement that the accident was unimaginable. The 31-year-old Gaudreau was signed to the Blue Jackets in 2022 as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames, signing a seven-year deal worth nearly $70 million.