Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed Thursday night after being hit by a motorist near their hometown of Salem County, New Jersey.
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The brothers died after a suspected drunk driver crashed into them on a rural road, police said. Johnny Gaudreau was 31; Matthew was 29. Per multiple reports, the tragedy occurred on the day before the wedding of the Gaudreaus' sister, Katie. Both brothers were listed as groomsmen on the wedding website, per WPVI.
"Sean Higgins, the driver, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, and police charged him with two counts of death by auto and took him to the Salem County Correctional Facility," the Columbus Dispatch reported. "Authorities have not said when Higgins will make his initial court appearance."
The Blue Jackets have also released a statement.
"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 parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew," the Blue Jackets said 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."
Higgins, 43, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee and attempting to pass another vehicle when he hit the Gaudreau brothers, according to police.
"Higgins tried to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lanes, passed the slower-moving sedan, and tried to re-enter the northbound lanes, state troopers said," the Dispatch wrote. "The SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers traveling north on the right side of the roadway.
"Higgins then tried to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two bicyclists in the rear, the highway patrol said. As a result of the collision, the brothers suffered fatal injuries."
Johnny Gaudreau
Aug. 13, 1993 – Aug. 29, 2024 pic.twitter.com/QGPsV4v7mv— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
WPVI added:
"According to the police affidavit, the trooper who arrived on the scene detected a "strong odor of alcohol," and Higgins allegedly told the trooper he had consumed "five to six beers" before the crash.
Sean Higgins. (WPVI via NJ State Police)
"Higgins allegedly told investigators that he thought the driver of the SUV was trying to stop him from passing. Higgins told investigators that his consumption of alcohol contributed to his impatience and reckless driving, according to the criminal complaint.
"The trooper also said Higgins then failed a field sobriety test. Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto, state police said."
