What we're learning after NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed by alleged drunk driver

NHL hockey player and New Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, have been identified as the two bicyclists who were struck and killed by a vehicle on Thursday night in Salem County, New Jersey.
Police say the driver who struck the brothers is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, as well as New Jersey state troopers, confirmed the passing of the Gaudreau brothers Friday morning.
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. on Pennsville Auburn Road (County Route 551) near Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township.
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were biking close to the line on the side of the roadway.
Police say 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was traveling north on Pennsville Auburn Road in a Jeep Grand Cherokee when he allegedly attempted to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV.
6abc.com/post/...
#news #nhl #crash #newjersey #fypage

[@user-cf7ny4kg6r]

Today was supposed to be the happiest day of Johnny Gaudreau's sisters life. But one selfish, irresponsible, reckless drunk driver changed all that. Thanks to him, a two year old girl and a seven month old boy will never see their daddy (Johnny) again. Matthew's wife is expecting their first baby - he will never see his daddy at all.

[@Trund27]

It’s utterly shattering. 😭😭💔

[@Tiglath-PileserXIX]

Meanwhile the POS that ended their lives will get to live the rest of his life.

[@ghostintheattic]

And he prolly won't even get a jail sentence 😩 😤

[@badmanskill1112]

​@@ghostintheatticOf course he's going to prison.. 10 - 20 years most likely. But might get taken care of before release.

[@Polentaccio]

​​@@badmanskill1112 might be less, was looking state to state and on average in NJ, it is 5 -10. He could see under 10 with good behavior.

[@TheDeepShallow]

Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau deserve justice. Hold the driver accountable. And above all, rest in peace to those lost. Prayers for those left to grieve.

[@Vivian-hz3hz]

Absolutely right 😢

[@larrygeran6964]

What makes them any different than other people that have not got justice through the years. Just because their hockey players?

[@larrygeran6964]

Everyone deserves justice, not just a couple of spoiled puckers

[@peterolbrisch8970]

​@@larrygeran6964They're not their. 🙄

[@marshallmintz7564]

An impatient driver on a bad weather night and he was too drunk to know why the driver in front moved to the left BECAUSE he was passing cyclists on the shoulder. So drunk buddy punched it and went around him needing the shoulder where the cyclists were.......so useless and this has got to be the worst for the families.....

[@leecox6241]

He has previous offences involving passing on the right. It was not a one time event. How is it in 2024 some folks still think it is ok to drink and drive. Recently a 46 year old woman drove through a Value Village front window while impaired. No one was hurt but then again it was 9:45 in the morning! That’s right in the morning. My father was murdered by a drunk in a Cadillac. He got off because he was a big shot in town. Did he learn anything? You could not go to a golf tournament without him being there three sheets to the wind. My heart goes out to all of the Gaudreaus. This is going to be a tough one to deal with. And it was completely avoidable. 😢

[@curtismuise3300]

Condolences to the Gaudreau family from Canada.

[@ExpatChef71]

I'm an Oilers fan living in Australia and feeling just heartbroken watching this.

[@lmb1962]

​@@ExpatChef71It's senseless. Just senseless.

[@ExpatChef71]

@@lmb1962 And the driver has kids who basically just lost their father and stable home. The ripple effects are absolutely appalling.

[@lmb1962]

@@ExpatChef71 You're right. I don't think I could live with myself if I did that. Thinking about all the lives ruined, the parents, siblings, wives, children would be too much unto bear.

[@misguidedangel6550]

​@@ExpatChef71how did u find out the driver had kids?

[@SusanWilson-cf8mw]

From Canada 🇨🇦: 🙏for family.

[@JB11335]

RIP. Please hold the driver accountable.

[@Gmaneeeee]

And he’ll only get 20 years if no new charges are filed.. pathetic..

[@kennymcdonald6356]

​@Gmaneeeee sadly I bet he gets sentenced to 10 and paroles in 5-7.5 years

[@mikemontgomery2654]

There haven’t been many dry eyes in Calgary today. The impact Johnny made on Flames fans will be remembered and cherished for decades to come. RIP Johnny and Matthew.

[@makeitcount179]

Johnny could stick handle the Puck in a phone booth. He was a slippery fish, hard to check.

[@joelmacdonald6994]

Despite the hurt that Calgarians felt when he left, he was still very loved. I’m not even a flames fan, and I thought he was just great.

[@johnmellyn2700]

Cmon people , smarten up , just don’t drink and drive, half the country is crying over this , this guys bad decision not only ruined their poor sisters wedding, it ripped the hearts out of so many people he knew , the grief is endless , if you can afford to go out and drink alcohol you can certainly afford to take an Uber , it amazes me that people are still that weak that they allow themselves to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

[@schoolingdiana9086]

The police report says the driving was drinking from an open container of alcohol when he hit them. And he’s got multiple DUIs. It’s horrific. As a hockey mom myself, I know what his parents sacrificed to get him to the rink, etc.

[@derrickconnolly9164]

Come on people smarten up. Never ride your bike or walk with your back to traffic. Always walk and bike ride towards traffic. They would be alive today

[@Pinkricaan]

He let out a big sigh and in an irritated tone said "so im here till Thursday?" when the hold was explained. He wanted to be out for the holiday wknd

[@TeresaG]

He better be there way past Thursday. He killed 2 people. Shame on him for drunk driving.

[@Pinkricaan]

@@TeresaG i think its for a bond hearing and the holiday pushes the calender back. He must think hes gonna have one granted ⛔⛔⛔⛔⛔

[@TeresaG]

@@Pinkricaan Yeah, I get that.

[@PaulRichardson4678]

No remorse at all. No concern for the children, the unborn child, the widows, the sister and her ruined life, the parents losing two sons....just sighing in irritation at being jailed until Thursday. Ugh.

[@pspcgamingwarlord]

He should be allowed to walk free

[@soldatheero]

Wasn't this dude like 165 lbs or something?? how brave do you have to be to go up against guys like 240lbs 6'4?? then to be a star player.. what a loss. My bro sat at a poker table with him at the Calgary Stampede Casino. RIP

[@AEMoreira81]

And just 5’7”. Johnny Hockey was an inspiration to undersized players…even though he was drafted in the 4th round, he made the team in his first NHL camp.

[@Flp6_3hole]

I'm sick inside...just sick. Prayers and thoughts for the family from detroit.

[@rejean2744]

All hockey fans in Massachusetts are heart broken about losing the Gaudreau brothers.

[@carriehughes8304]

Shame on that man, if it was no remorse,and stupidity, I hope karma gets him 3 times over ,he should have known better... So heartbreaking 💔 😭 for the parents and family ,no child should be buried before their parents.

[@justinthomas85]

He is a father of 2 no less, the driver. With a previous DUI.

[@Tiglath-PileserXIX]

@@justinthomas85 Previous DUI .... wonder how many other times he wasn't caught?

[@IAMTHEJUGGERNATE]

I still think choosing to drive while drunk shouldn't automatically be downgraded to 2nd degree murder. You know your odds of causing an accident are high, but you say 'screw everybody else, I'm driving', and then you actually kill people. That may not be as premeditated as plotting an ambush or something like that, but it is still intentional enough that a 10 year maximum seems ridiculously low.

[@dwaynestankowski6916]

5 or 6 beer Bullshit.

[@CCL0286]

Aka 18 rack

[@RodneyBost-gw6eo]

What i was thinking. Maybe a long island

[@Pablo-gl9dj]

Cheap Yankee beer.😂

[@ЗВЕРОБОЙ-л6к]

he was talking gallons

[@annmariesloan8406]

I also read somewhere, where he was still drinking once he got in the car🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@docwillis1443]

RIP. Prayers for the family 🙏

[@dwaynestankowski6916]

@@docwillis1443 AMEN.

[@amandacrawford7340]

He wasnt killed in a collision, he was struck from behind when the guy swerved around other vehicles giving them space, if you're going to make a story get your facts straight

[@williamboyle8918]

Sad day here in Cbus

[@Tiglath-PileserXIX]

In Calgary and Philly too. In fact everywhere ....

[@woxyroxme]

All of Ohio, lifelong hockey fan in the south Dayton area here.

[@learningvideosbynikhil8308]

0:21 he’s 43 😂😂! That’s what alcohol does to you

[@CCL0286]

Looks about 63 doesn’t he?

[@thesportsguy126]

Looks 43 to me

[@Tiglath-PileserXIX]

He just became the poster boy for DUI perpetrators.

[@AEMoreira81]

I was going to say, as I’m 43!

[@boxesbinslidsllc]

So devastating.

[@OC_Lofton]

My Condolences to their, families, friends and loved ones 🙏🏽

[@inutero10]

Sick. Absolutely sickening.

[@narod367]

Senseless

[@BT-be8rh]

Beyond senseless.

[@nickbarcheck1019]

@@BT-be8rh I get it tho. It's fun to get drunk.

[@BT-be8rh]

@@nickbarcheck1019 You can get drunk all you want but don't get behind the wheel!

[@nickbarcheck1019]

@@BT-be8rh Don't ride your bike at nighttime. These two did it to themselves.

[@BT-be8rh]

@@nickbarcheck1019 So that justifies driving drunk?

[@matthewpakkala4902]

Once again the hockey community is devastated by a drunk driver. We need even stiffer penalties seriously.

[@maryranieri958]

What an unspeakable devastating loss! Heartfelt condolences to the grieving family! May they rest in peace! 🙏

[@-09800]

Wish we were built in such a way that we could all absorb the pain and suffering the family is going through. I can’t imagine the pain R.I.P 🙏

[@bennyboogenheimer4553]

Oh my God! Their poor sister.😢

[@swavekbu4959]

Cycling on side of road is super dangerous even without drunk drivers.

[@johnlinn]

Wow, you can't be bothered to use Matthew's name in the title. Shame on you.

[@RHTVplushmovies]

Yeah

[@ElleR3416]

I said the same thing to my husband.

[@MayorOfBodybuildingTV]

Media not known for being decent people.

[@erudzitis84]

RIP lads, hockey will miss these lads, me too

[@Bmax_01]

This weekend hollydell ice arena had a showcase and i was there 2 days after the memorial started it was way bigger rip 🕊️❤️

[@johnraciti5053]

Johnny and Matthew hockey , rip 🙏

[@georgebrennan2576]

Riding bikes on roads is very dangerous

[@carlhammill5774]

That was super late for a bike ride on holiday weekend (it was likely dark at 8;15 pm). Regardless, we all go exactly at the time we are meant to go. Those brothers are in a better place now. Prayers to family that must saddle this loss for rest of their lives.

[@makeitcount179]

@@carlhammill5774 How can you be sure that they're in a 'better' place now? Where do you think there souls are? I think they'd wish they were home with their families.

[@carlhammill5774]

@@makeitcount179 I am certain they are in a better place and you will be too once you pass. You ultimately need to discover this for yourself as you should not believe anything you have heard.

[@sherryluo6863]

Johnny Hockey, great playmaker, player, person. Will always be remembered by the hockey world forever. R.I.P Johnny

[@electriczombie8299]

Why would anyone in their right mind go cycling on a main road after dark? Or am I not allowed to point that out because professional athletes are exempt from criticism?

[@ronkrill2038]

i know that sure did not help things

[@kellycolberg5013]

And you probably know why they were riding bikes…

[@carlhammill5774]

my guess is they were comfortable with that area (parents home is on that road). Normally you would never ride when its dark, not have proper lighting on bikes and it might have been raining also, on weekend that is more dangerous for drivers (see how many police where out on roads...alot). Just a really poor judgement on brothers part but they probably got caught up somewhere they visited and didn't realize how late it became. That said, I believe each of us goes at exactly the moment we are meant to go. They created alot of good in the world and are in a better place now. Earth life is super challenging and I feel they passed with flyers colors. My heart goes out to the family who will replay this event many many times and lets hope the new baby brings joy at such a challenging time.

[@wes5150.]

"The death of an innocent person doesn’t just prevent them from realizing their hopes and dreams; it prevents their friends, their families and everyone around them from having a person they love and care about in their lives. The loss of a loved one causes a ripple effect across entire communities that will never heal. Don’t be the reason a parent has to BURY THEIR CHILD because YOU WERE SELFISH and GOT BEHIND the WHEEL DRUNK or HIGH ! You'll never be able to heal what you have done. I welcome your thoughts.

[@CrystallyLavender]

Absolutely gut-wrenching and horrific! 💔 Wish they didn’t go out biking so late and on that scary-looking road. Can’t even imagine what their parents are going through losing both sons at the same time.

[@Boospool]

that's the road his parents still live on he they where not to far from it ,its a back rural road with no shoulder at all and car was doing 75-80 mph they never had a chance heartbreaking

[@sbar3546]

So tired of drunk drivers. They should be in jail after the first time.

[@AbigaillOwusu]

This is so heartbreaking. May they rest in peace

[@chadlewis6197]

Last December a drunk driver killed three teenagers and himself when passing on a blind hill. That happened less than a mile from my home. The victims families were very gracious and included a cross for the driver to be placed with the three for their children. Last week someone passed me and the car ahead of me in the same place on the road a few feet from those crosses. The parents somehow forgave the driver and I believe it was because they themselves had found forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.

[@poppyrowland1385]

Oh, FFS. Believe what you want, nut leave Jesus out of it.

[@dwaynestankowski6916]

Rip in peace to Johney and his Brother. Condolences to the Gudreau family so sorry for your loss. 😢

[@The_Cannabis_Connoisseur]

As a Father and a Son I can't imagine the grief of the family! RIP to the Brothers!

[@shelleypaszkowski]

RIP , prayers for the family 🙏🙏

[@greggreg2263]

🙏 please don’t drink and drive😢😢

[@michaelrock2265]

I do send my condolences to the Gaudreau family. What that drunk driver did was nothing short of UNFORGIVABLE.

[@glennwolfe6056]

They was probably wearing black clothing not something that you could see them in the dark, and why was they riding a bike??? Especially in the dark. What happen to his BMW?? So many questions but noone answers

[@clararichardson2415]

Deepest sympathy for family and friends. ❤

[@lindamcmunn1783]

The saddest news ever!😢

[@kai6xx]

Prayer's to the family and community.

[@Indoman_71]

"Wanna go for a pint?" --- More than one pint. "I drank a couple of beers last night." --- Finished a six pack. "We went to the pub and had a few." --- Full on bender. "Five or six beers before getting behind the wheel." --- BULLSHIT. YOU MUST'VE FAILED ARITHMETIC.

[@caroliamurri3872]

Unimaginable tragedy for the entire Gaudreau family. 🙏🙏💓💔💔

[@dianaseverns7228]

My daughter passed two years ago from asthma attack. The paramedics went to wrong address even though they passed the cop. The police did not perform cpr and the tubing was broken. No one would take my case to hold them accountable! I miss her everyday!

[@carlhammill5774]

sorry for your loss diana. They are in a better place after such an event but those of us still here must deal with it. Your strength carries you.

[@jeanpierrevaillancourt-pro247]

Desolé pour toi diana …

[@maybelline081]

That drunken driver STOLE the lives of two beautiful souls RIP Gaudreau brothers

[@PabloRamos-d4l]

RIP Johnny hockey and his brother sorry for the lost so 😭 😭

[@daytoncjans]

Should be held just as accountable as first degree murder. Such a selfish act.

[@lucmarchand617]

Calgary flames fan here calgary people just sad about this thing.😢

[@alisonrackle1739]

Sending our condolences from Hawaii to the family. 💔

[@yuranisbismelly2830]

They were 2 brothers who were enjoying life that night together that has been cut short by senseless tragic event. Rip 2 gaudreau 😢

[@upsdoug]

Call a cab or an Uber😢

[@B1onicelbow420]

Just so damn tragic especially losing both of them

[@louern123]

it’s shaken anyone who has heard this news 😢

[@miammcconnellsero4956]

Nothing will make anything better for these poor families

[@Diwarrenb]

We can end drunk driving now. We already have the technology that will not allow the car to start if alcohol is detected on the breath. Let's make that that mandatory in all new cars going forward.

[@ningchen8324]

RIP Gaudreau brothers😭

[@Daria-dp8to]

My heart & prayers go out to the family. As a Canuck fan I appreciated the talent of the young man. My condolences to Calgary & Columbus in your grief. This has hit the whole hockey world hard. Rest in Peace brothers, you will be missed.❤❤❤

[@Rob-hh5sd]

Horrible loss, condolences and ❤to the family.😢

[@ryanTDG]

RIP Johnny Hockey, you inspired an entire generation of hockey players!!

[@LightningJayden]

He will be remembered

[@creaturafauna]

Riding bicycles on a curvey two lane road at night is not very smart… Driving drunk is deadly stupid… not a good combination.

[@wookie79logos81]

Good analysis. Another classic example of two wrongs don’t make a right…with tragic consequences sadly.

[@trudyjager5609]

My prayers are with the Gaudreau family. Imagine losing both your sons just before your daughter’s wedding. Two littles left without a father. I pray that God will surround them with his love in this time of unbearable sorrow.

[@bennyguan848]

😢😢😢, From Canada 🇨🇦

[@SheaNichol]

RIP JOHNNY HOCKEY AND MATHEW GAUDREAU 🕊️🕊️🕊️ ALL PRAYERS AND SUPPORT TO THE REST OF THE GAUDREAU FAMILY 🕊️🕊️🕊️ THE DRIVER DESERVES TO BE IN JAIL FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE 🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@LarryNg-mx8qz]

the guy was charged max of 10 years for each brother... what a system and the offender has zero remorse

[@Trund27]

This is absolutely horrific. No forgivenss for drunks who drive.

[@ArtByDesign80]

Not a hockey fan…but this is HEARTBREAKING 💔 ! The poor family…the sister canceled the wedding (of course)…turns out BOTH brothers had pregnant wives!

[@erikrutherford8202]

Riding bikes a night without proper lighting is extremely dangerous

[@carlhammill5774]

it might have been raining too. I can't imagine they planned to be out that late and must have stayed too long at place they visited.

[@jeanpierrevaillancourt-pro247]

Cest bien vrai-faut etre visible et avoir des signaux lumineux en soirée

[@pondwater6642]

Road rage is what caused this and that’s just as dangerous as drinking and driving but no one wants to talk about that.

[@johnm8096]

Eerily similar to the last time an active star NHL player was killed. Pelle Lindbergh was also killed in South Jersey as a result of driving while intoxicated.

[@yougoof]

Why was he biking in the dark and pouring rain? Did they have lights and helmet on?

[@carlhammill5774]

apparently their bikes did not have proper lighting for night riding. They must have gotten caught up somewhere and didn't realize how late it had become.

[@РустемНигматзянов-щ3ь]

Опять плачу!!! Годро просто хороший хокеист! Спасибо что был!!!

[@Blast215RC]

Rip Jonny 🏒 😴😓

[@user-rw718]

Its crazy how random life can be

[@toddettedaniels9773]

So sad!

[@misguidedangel6550]

Theres a huge memorial in Calgary i saw on news

[@ZacharyHoag-oh5rf]

He was one of my favorite hockey players ever. We give numbers to the cows on my dad's farm,and my own personal cow that i used to own was called number 13 after Johnny Gaudreau.

[@traci635]

Totally heartbreaking 😢 prayers for their families. This monster who killed them better get a life sentence

[@banjoboy01]

bad choice of road and conditions, cyclists have a responsibility too

[@peterolbrisch8970]

How bad was the weather? Was it raining? Did their bikes have reflecctors? Were they wearing helmets?

[@CaryTurner-q9b]

Sentence the driver without a trial

[@sourapple6604]

Terrible

[@jasoncardigan9488]

I'm so sad for the family and friends. Just awful.

[@pearlclarke7260]

Iam from calgray Alberta my condolences go out to the family lol Johnny and Matthew

[@jasonvoorhees8545]

The older Philadelphia area people will remember the drunk driving tragedy that hit the Flyers team in 1985 when they lost their all- star goalie Pelle Lindbergh

[@SkyOfficial02]

We see you soon Johnny Hockey!!! 😢🏒🥅

[@makeitcount179]

Tragic.

[@sca1871]

Horrific

[@louisgiardina8918]

So sad

[@charlenesirois3317]

Much prayers !!

[@ryanTDG]

In 5 - 10 years when we see a bunch of sub 5-10 180 lb NHLers each one will say he was their role model