Lakers

LeBron James, Mike Trout, others react to tragic deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother

Published by
Jason Simpson

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.

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.

Jason Simpson

Jason is a copy writer and editor with experience covering professional sports and current events. He is excited about being a part of the Ahn Fire Digital team.

Published by
Jason Simpson

Recent Posts

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

7 hours ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

1 day ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

2 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

4 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

5 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

6 days ago