The sports world is dealing with a major tragedy after NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday night by an alleged drunk driver.
The brothers were on bicycles and were fatally struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee on a New Jersey roadway.
Many tributes and reactions have poured in since the news became public, from NBA star LeBron James to MLB star Mike Trout to countless NHL players and other members of the sports world.
Insane man! 🤦🏾♂️ . I instantly got so down😔and sad🥺 after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2024
Devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Sending my deepest condolences and love to their family.
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) August 30, 2024
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny was a dedicated hockey player, Birds fan & cherished member of the Eagles faithful. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Gaudreau family & those impacted by this loss!#FlyJohnnyFly 🙏🏾
— Jalen Hurts (@JalenHurts) August 30, 2024
Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family. So incredibly sad.
— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) August 30, 2024
Completely gutted. The world just lost one of the best. RIP Johnny 💔 pic.twitter.com/cgjqEAcHJ4
— Blake Coleman (@BColes25) August 30, 2024
The two brothers were in the area for their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. The brothers were set to be groomsmen.
According to police, the alleged drunk driver was traveling in the same direction as the Gaudreau brothers when he attempted to pass an SUV on the right. He ended up striking the brothers from behind. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were once teammates at Boston College. They’ve been described as wonderful people as stories have poured in since the news became public.
Johnny Gaudreau, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” was an active NHL player with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He began his NHL career with the Calgary Flames. In just over 10 NHL seasons, he had seven All-Star appearances.
Matthew Gaudreau had a memorable career at Boston College and went on to play for a number of minor league teams afterward. Adding to the tragedy is that his wife is currently pregnant and has a due date of Dec. 31, 2024.
The driver was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny Gaudreau was just 31 years old, while Matthew Gaudreau was just 29. The two brothers clearly had tons of life ahead of them, and they had countless family memories waiting to be made.
The sports world is always good about coming together in tragic times, and the hope is certainly that there will be no shortage of support for the Gaudreau family amid a remarkably difficult situation.
