Blue Jackets’ Johnny Gaudreau Dead at 31

ZANESVILLE, OH

Some sad news out of New Jersey on Friday morning, as Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau has been pronounced dead at the age of 31.

Gaudreau, along with his brother Matthew were killed in a cycling accident in their home state of New Jersey after being hit by an intoxicated driver attempting to pass other vehicles on the road in the town of Oldmans Township. The brothers Gaudreau were in town for their sister’s wedding which was set to take place on Friday.

Local authorities have arrested 43-year old Sean Higgins and have charged him with suspected intoxicated driving and death by auto in the accident.

In a team statement on social media, the Blue Jackets said that the team is “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.”

National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman added, “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.”

The American winger entered in the league with the Calgary Flames in the spring of 2014 after receiving the “Hobey Baker Award”, given to the nation’s top collegiate ice hockey player while he attended Boston College.

Nicknamed, “Johnny Hockey”, he spent the last two seasons with the Blue Jackets, and played in nearly very game for the team, scoring a combined 33 goals and 134 points with the team during that time span. He was also a two-time all-star for the Jackets, as well as a member of the league’s First All-Star Team in 2022.

Gaudreau is mourned by his wife Meredith as well as children Noah and Johnny, along with the rest of his family on this somber day. He leaves behind a legacy that the hockey and sports world will never forget, as he passes away at age 31.