In a devastating turn of events, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, tragically lost their lives in a car accident. The heartbreaking news has shaken the hockey community and beyond, as details of the incident continue to emerge.

On the evening of Thursday, August 29, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bikes on a rural road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were struck by a passing car at approximately 8:30 p.m. The road, known as Stumpy Lane, became the site of this unimaginable tragedy. According to authorities, the brothers were killed instantly.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, Johnny’s hockey team, released a statement on social media earlier today, August 30, expressing their profound sorrow and shock. The team’s message paid tribute to Johnny, not only as an extraordinary player but also as a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” the statement read.

Johnny’s legacy in the world of hockey is undeniable. Known for his passion and dedication, he brought an infectious joy to every game he played. His career took him from Boston College to the Calgary Flames, representing Team USA, and eventually to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he served as a winger. The Blue Jackets emphasized the profound impact Johnny had on their organization and the sport, but more importantly, on the lives of those who knew him.

The statement concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the deep void left by Johnny’s passing, asking for prayers for the Gaudreau family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. The team also requested privacy for the grieving family during this difficult time.

In addition to the Blue Jackets’ tribute, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also shared his condolences. On the NHL’s official Public Relations website, Bettman reflected on Johnny’s remarkable 11-season career in the NHL, where he was regarded as one of the League’s brightest young stars. Bettman extended his deepest sympathies to Johnny’s wife, Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and his sisters, Kristen and Katie.

As news of the accident broke, reports initially did not identify the victims as Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. However, a report from 6abc Action News later confirmed their identities, revealing that the New Jersey State Police were investigating the incident. The driver of the vehicle that struck the brothers remained at the scene, and authorities believe the driver may have been under the influence at the time of the accident.

The tragic news has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media. A woman named Elaine Shircliff posted an update, mentioning that the New Jersey State Police were overwhelmed with inquiries and could not release further information at the time. Another social media user, Steve Franklin, shared that his brother, a police officer in Salem County, New Jersey, confirmed the identities of the victims as Johnny and Matthew.

Retired NHL referee Tim Peel also took to social media, expressing his deep sadness and asking for prayers, saying, “Reports are that Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver [tonight]. Please pray that this is not true!”

The loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew has left a void that will be felt by many. Their tragic passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact that these two brothers had on those around them. The hockey world, along with friends, family, and fans, mourns the untimely loss of these two remarkable individuals.