Sportsman and his brother die in horror accident hours earlier than sister’s marriage ceremony
An NHL star and his brother both died in a horror bike accident last night (Thursday) – one day before their sister’s wedding.
Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were reportedly due to take part as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding today.
Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran who had spent the last two seasons with the Blue Jackets, was believed to have been cycling with Matthew, 29, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when the fatal crash happened at around 8.30pm.
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Columbus released a statement on X confirming Johnny’s passing on Friday morning, and expressed sympathy for his family. They wrote: “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.
(Image: NHLI via Getty Images)
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.
“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. 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.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.”
Like his brother, Matthew played hockey at Boston College before signing with the New York Islanders’ minor league affiliate in 2017. He last played professional hockey in 2021.
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