Former Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau was tragically hit by a Jeep while riding his bike in New Jersey. He was cycling with his brother, Matthew, when the accident happened on Thursday. Police have identified the suspect as 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins. According to Sportsnet, he was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. Officials released his mugshot on Friday.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31; Matthew was 29.
The police reported that a Jeep Grand Cherokee driver hit two cyclists from behind. The cyclists, identified as the Gaudreau brothers, were riding when the driver tried to pass an SUV on the right. The SUV had moved over to make room for the cyclists. The accident happened in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, at 8:19 p.m. Sadly, both Gaudreau brothers were killed and pronounced dead at the spot. The accident spot is about 35 miles south of Philadelphia.
Police suspected he had been under the influence of alcohol.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by the Associated Press, Higgins reportedly told an officer at the scene that he had five or six beers before the accident. He also admitted to drinking alcohol while driving. The complaint further mentioned that Higgins failed a field sobriety test.
Higgins is currently in jail at a Salem County facility. Higgins appeared virtually in court in Salem County on Friday and was ordered to remain in custody until his next hearing on Thursday, Sept. 5, according to the New York Post. At his first court appearance on Friday, a public defender represented him. However, Higgins mentioned that he plans to hire his own lawyer. Public defenders in New Jersey do not comment on cases.
What actually happened in the accident spot ?
Aaccording to the reports, the Jeep was travelling northbound on County Road 551. The Jeep tried to go around a slow-moving sedan and SUV. The Jeep moved in front of the sedan. It then tried to re-enter the northbound lanes. At the same time, the SUV ahead moved to the middle of the road. This split the north and south lanes. The SUV did this to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers, who were traveling north on the right side of the road. The Jeep struck the Gaudreau brothers while trying to pass the SUV on the right.
Fan Pays tribute to Johnny Gaudreau
Fans placed flowers and hockey sticks in memory of Gaudreau outside Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus and outside the Flames’ home rink in Calgary. In Cincinnati, there was a moment of silence before a Major League Baseball game between the Reds and Brewers. Another moment of silence took place before an Olympic qualifying hockey game between Slovakia and Hungary in Bratislava, the Slovakian capital.
Tributes for Johnny Gaudreau were felt everywhere
The Columbus Blue Jackets called the Gaudreaus’ deaths an “unimaginable tragedy” in a statement on social media.
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said: “The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew”. He further added: “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said: “Johnny was a beloved teammate and friend in both Calgary and Columbus, and he was a joy to watch during his 10 years and 763 games in the NHL. The players and staff of the NHLPA are devastated by these terrible losses.”
Calgary Flames also pays tribute to Johnny Gaudreau in social media post.
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh
Johnny Gaudreau’s NHL Career
Johnny Gaudreau signed with the Flames and played his first game in the 2013-14 season, where he scored a goal. The following year, he emerged as one of the league’s top rookies, scoring 24 goals and totaling 64 points. His performance helped the Flames make it to the playoffs. Over the years, Gaudreau became a six-time All-Star with the Flames. In the 2021-22 season, he had his best year yet, scoring 40 goals and earning 115 points.
Johnny Gaudreau has played in the NHL for 11 seasons. He represented the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He signed a seven-year contract with Columbus, starting with the 2022-23 season. In 2023, he was named an All-Star. Last season, he scored 12 goals and had 48 assists in 81 games.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Family
He was born in 13 August 1993, Salem County, New Jersey, United States. Johnny Gaudreau is one of the four children of Guy Gaudreau and Jane Gaudreau. Matthew Gaudreau, Katie Gaudreau, Kristen Gaudreau are Johnny’s siblings.
Gaudreau has been married to Meredith since 2021. They have two young children. Their daughter, Noa, was born in September 2022. Their son, Johnny, was born in February.
According to People Magazine, the Gaudreau brothers were meant to attend their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday. However, the wedding was canceled after the news of their deaths.
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