COLUMBUS — The family of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau has released a statement following the death of the 31-year-old and his brother Matthew.
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The Gaudreau brothers were riding bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey when they were hit by a man driving a Jeep on Thursday night, New Jersey State Police confirmed.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins of New Jersey, attempted to pass a slower vehicle when he hit Johnny and Matthew, 29. Higgins was detained under suspicion he was under the influence of alcohol. He is being held in Salem County Correctional Facility and is being held on charges of driving under the influence and two counts of death by auto.
A probable cause affidavit obtained by CBS News revealed that Higgins “stated that he had consumed approximately 5-6 beers prior to the accident.” A New Jersey State Trooper administered a field sobriety test, “which he failed.”
>> PHOTOS: Johnny Gaudreau through the years
The brothers were expected to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding on Friday afternoon, according to our sister station Boston 25 News.
Jim Gaudreau, the uncle of Johnny and Matthew, released a statement to CBS News on Friday on behalf of the family:
“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.
We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief.
From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families).”
Known as “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau played 10 full seasons in the NHL. He played his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before signing a seven-year deal with Columbus in 2022.
The Blue Jackets said Gaudreau “was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” the team said in a statement. “He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could.”
Columbus Blue Jackets v Tampa Bay Lightning TAMPA, FL - APRIL 9: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates past Anthony Cirelli #71 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at the Amalie Arena on April 9, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Rangers NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 28: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck as Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers defends during the first period at Madison Square Garden on February 28, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Rangers NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 28: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck during the game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on February 28, 2024 in New York City. The Rangers won 4-1. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v San Jose Sharks SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 17: Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets in action against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center on February 17, 2024 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Boston Bruins v Columbus Blue Jackets COLUMBUS, OHIO - JANUARY 2: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets warms up prior to the start of the game against the Boston Bruins at Nationwide Arena on January 2, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) (Kirk Irwin)
Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Islanders ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 07: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on December 07, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v Carolina Hurricanes RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 26: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets shoots the puck during the third period of the game against Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on November 26, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricanes defeat Jackets 3-2. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images) (Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v Carolina Hurricanes RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 26: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates a goal during the third period of the game against Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on November 26, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hurricanes defeat Jackets 3-2. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images) (Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Flyers v Columbus Blue Jackets COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 12: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets walks the blue carpet before the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Nationwide Arena on October 12, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Rangers NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his first period goal against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 28, 2023 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Blue Jackets 6-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Rangers NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates his first period goal against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
St Louis Blues v Columbus Blue Jackets COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 11: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets stretching during warmups prior to the game against the St. Louis Blues at Nationwide Arena on March 11, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
2023 NHL All-Star - Portraits SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 04: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets poses for a portrait prior to the 2023 NHL All-Star Game at FLA Live Arena on February 04, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
2023 NHL All-Star SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 04: Johnny Gaudreau participates in the 2023 NHL All-Star Game at FLA Live Arena on February 04, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
2023 NHL All-Star SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 04: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Atlantic Division during the 2023 NHL All-Star Game between the Metropolitan Division and the Atlantic Division at FLA Live Arena on February 04, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NHL 2023 All-Star Red Carpet FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 03: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets signs autographs during the 2023 NHL All-Star Red Carpet at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park on February 03, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
2023 NHL All-Star - Media Day SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets speaks to the media during 2023 NHL All-Star Media Day at FLA Live Arena on February 02, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
2023 NHL All-Star - Skills Competition - Pitch ‘n Puck PLANTATION, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: In this images released on February 3rd, Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets takes part in the Chipotle NHL Pitch ‘n Puck event which is part of the NHL All-Star Skills presented by DraftKings Sportsbook competition which was pre-taped at the Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club on February 01, 2023 in Plantation, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
2023 NHL All-Star - Skills Competition - Pitch ‘n Puck PLANTATION, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: In this image released on February 3rd, Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets takes a practice shot prior to the Chipotle NHL Pitch ‘n Puck event which is part of the NHL All-Star Skills presented by DraftKings Sportsbook competition which was pre-taped at the Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club on February 01, 2023 in Plantation, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v Philadelphia Flyers PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 20: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets spins away from Noah Cates #49 of the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at the Wells Fargo Center on December 20, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Blue Jackets 5-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Detroit Red Wings v Columbus Blue Jackets COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck against Lucas Raymond #23 of the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at Nationwide Arena on November 19, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v New York Rangers NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 23: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets talks to Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers after a brief battle in front of the net during the third period at Madison Square Garden on October 23, 2022 in New York City. The Blue Jackets defeated the Rangers 5-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Vancouver Canucks v Columbus Blue Jackets COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets takes a shot on goal during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Nationwide Arena on October 18, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets v Carolina Hurricanes RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 12: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates during the third period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on October 12, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Edmonton Oilers - Game Four EDMONTON, AB - MAY 24: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames skates in against Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers during the third period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 24, 2022 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images) (Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
Dallas Stars v Calgary Flames - Game Seven CALGARY, AB - MAY 15: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames speaks to media after the Flames defeated the Dallas Stars during the overtime period of Game Seven of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 15, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Stars 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Dallas Stars v Calgary Flames - Game Two CALGARY, AB - MAY 5: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames celebrates after scoring against the Dallas Stars during the first period of Game Two of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 5, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Gaudreau's score was shot from offside and officially called off. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Dallas Stars v Calgary Flames - Game One CALGARY, AB - MAY 3: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames skates during warm-ups prior to Game One of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Dallas Stars at the Scotiabank Saddledome on May 3, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Los Angeles Kings LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames celebrates a goal against the Los Angeles Kingsin the second period at Crypto.com Arena on April 04, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
2022 Honda NHL All-Star Game LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 05: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames warms up prior to the 2022 Honda NHL All-Star Game at T-Mobile Arena on February 05, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
2022 NHL All-Star - Portraits LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 04: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames poses for a portrait before the 2022 NHL All-Star game at T-Mobile Arena on February 04, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Boston Bruins BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 21: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames warms up before a game against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on November 21, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Flames won 4-0. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images) (Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Montreal Canadiens MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 11: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Centre Bell on November 11, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Calgary Flames 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Seattle Kraken v Calgary Flames CALGARY, AB - SEPTEMBER 29: Young Calgary Flames fans hold a sign for Johnny Gaudreau #13 during warm-ups prior to an NHL game against the Seattle Kraken at Scotiabank Saddledome on September 29, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Ottawa Senators v Calgary Flames CALGARY, AB - MARCH 4: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Ottawa Senators during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 4, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Montreal Canadiens MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 30: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames skates the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at the Bell Centre on January 30, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Calgary Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Toronto Maple Leafs v Calgary Flames CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 26: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 26, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Winnipeg Jets v Calgary Flames EDMONTON, ALBERTA - AUGUST 01: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames celebrates his goal against the Winnipeg Jets in the second period in Game One of the Western Conference Qualification Round prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on August 01, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) (Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Vancouver Canucks VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 13: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames shoots the puck during the pre-game warm-up prior's to the start of their NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 13, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) (Rich Lam/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Detroit Red Wings DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 23: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames scores a first period goal on this shot in front of Frans Nielsen #81 of the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on February 23, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Vancouver Canucks VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 08: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames shoots the puck in NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 8, 2020 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) (Rich Lam/Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens v Calgary Flames CALGARY, AB - DECEMBER 19: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Montreal Canadiens during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on December 19, 2019 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Philadelphia Flyers PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 23: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 23, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames v Dallas Stars DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 10: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames at American Airlines Center on October 10, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Germany v USA - Ice Hockey International Friendly MANNHEIM, GERMANY - MAY 07: Johnny Gaudreau of USA during the international friendly game between Germany and USA ahead of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at SAP Arena on May 07, 2019 in Mannheim, Germany. The 2019 IIHF will take place from May 10 till May 26 in Slovakia. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Germany v USA - Ice Hockey International Friendly MANNHEIM, GERMANY - MAY 07: Johnny Gaudreau of USA celebrates a goal during the international friendly game between Germany and USA ahead of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship at SAP Arena on May 07, 2019 in Mannheim, Germany. The 2019 IIHF will take place from May 10 till May 26 in Slovakia. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) (Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
2019 NHL All-Star - Portraits SAN JOSE, CA - JANUARY 25: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames poses for a portrait during the 2019 NHL All-Star weekend at SAP Center on January 25, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Finland v United States - 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship HERNING, DENMARK - MAY 15: Sakari Manninen #65 of Finland and Johnny Gaudreau of the United States battle for the puck during the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Group B game between Finland and United States at Jyske Bank Boxen on May 15, 2018 in Herning, Denmark. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images) (Martin Rose/Getty Images)
Norway v United States - 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship HERNING, DENMARK - MAY 13: Johnny Gaudreau of United States skates against Norway during the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Group B game between Norway and United States at Jyske Bank Boxen on May 13, 2018 in Herning, Denmark. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images) (Martin Rose/Getty Images)
Winnipeg Jets v Calgary Flames CALGARY, AB - OCTOBER 7: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Winnipeg Jets during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on October 7, 2017 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) (Derek Leung/Getty Images)
2017 NHL Awards - Arrivals LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames poses after winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy awarded "to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability," during the 2017 NHL Awards and Expansion Draft at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
2017 NHL Awards And Expansion Draft LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: Johnny Gaudreau of the Calgary Flames speaks after winning the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy awarded "to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability," during the 2017 NHL Awards and Expansion Draft at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
2015 Honda NHL All-Star Portraits COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 25: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames and Team Toews poses for a portrait prior to the 2015 Honda NHL All-Star Game at Nationwide Arena on January 25, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
2014 Hobey Baker Memorial Award PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 11: Johnny Gaudreau of the Boston College Eagles poses with the Hobey Baker Award during the Hobey Baker Award Ceremony in the Millenium Ballroom at the Loews Hotel on April 11, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
2012 NCAA Division I Men's Hockey Championship TAMPA, FL - APRIL 05: Forward Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Boston College Eagles battles left wing Kyle Bonis #28 of the Ferris State Bulldogs for the puck during the NCAA Division 1 Men's Hockey Championship Game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on April 7, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) (J. Meric/Getty Images)
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