‘Shocked and saddened;’ Reactions pour in after death of Columbus Blue Jackets star, brother

COLUMBUS — Reaction is pouring across the state and the country following the tragic death of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.

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Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother were riding bikes in Salem County, New Jersey on Thursday night when they were struck by a man driving a jeep, CBS News Philadelphia reported.

The driver accused of hitting the brothers, identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins of New Jersey, was detained under suspicion he was under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine took to social media on Friday morning to react to the news.

“Fran & I offer our deepest condolences to the family of @BlueJacketsNHL‘s Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Our thoughts are also with the entire Blue Jackets organization as they mourn the loss of one of their own,” he wrote.

Some of Ohio’s professional sports teams have also shared their reactions:

Columbus Crew

Cleveland Cavaliers

The National Hockey League’s commissioner, Gary Bettman, released a statement saying the league is “shocked and saddened” by the Gaudreau brothers passing.

“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ 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,” Bettman wrote in part.

Several teams across the NHL have also shared their condolences about the tragic development:

Calgary Flames

Toronto Maple Leafs

New York Rangers

Pittsburgh Penguins

Gaudreau played hockey at Boston College. The university released a statement on social media saying they were stunned by the news.

“Johnny Gaudreau was not only one of the greatest @BC_MHockey players but also one of the nicest. Matthew was a gifted player & beloved by teammates. Our prayers are with the Gaudreau family at this time of unimaginable loss,” the statement read.

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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)

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