In a heartbreaking turn of events, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were tragically killed on Thursday evening in their home state of New Jersey. 💔
The brothers were cycling in Oldmans Township when a suspected drunk driver struck them from behind around 8:00 p.m. They were pronounced dead at the scene, just hours before they were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding on Friday.
Johnny, 31, affectionately known as \"Johnny Hockey,\" had captured the hearts of hockey fans across North America with his incredible talent and humble spirit. Matthew, 29, like his brother, was admired by all who knew him. The two were natives of Carneys Point, New Jersey, and inseparable both on and off the ice. 🏒
The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was arrested at the scene. Authorities reported that Higgins admitted to consuming alcohol while driving and was charged with two counts of death by auto, among other offenses. He remains in custody awaiting his pretrial detention hearing scheduled for September 5.
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the hockey community and beyond. Jerry York, who coached the Gaudreau brothers at Boston College, expressed his grief: \"Just devastating news for all of us connected with the Gaudreau family. Both Matty and Johnny were terrifically admired by all of us. Wonderful young guys, and they impressed a lot of us off the ice.\"
Our thoughts are with the Gaudreau family during this incredibly difficult time. 🙏
Reference(s):
NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed in traffic accident
cgtn.com
