It was confirmed this Friday morning that Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed on Thursday night. They were struck by a car while cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
The driver who hit the Gaudreau brothers, Sean M. Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto. According to reports, the police suspected that Higgins was under the influence of alcohol.
Shortly after this heartbreaking news was confirmed, countless hockey fans rushed to social media to share their thoughts.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James also took his thoughts to X, formerly known as Twitter. As you’d expect, the four-time NBA champion is downright devastated by this news.
“Insane man,” James wrote. “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.”
Earlier this morning, the Blue Jackets released a statement on this tragedy.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the statement reads. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matt. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”
The Gaudreau brothers were in their hometown of New Jersey getting ready to be groomsmen for their sister’s wedding, which was set to take place this weekend.
We can’t even imagine how the Gaudreau family is feeling right now. All we can do is keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
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