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
Our hearts are with the Gaudreau Family, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus community 💙 pic.twitter.com/cW4H4oGJmp
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 30, 2024
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Monsters and Rock Entertainment Group are devastated by the shocking and tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. On behalf of our entire organization, we send our deepest condolences and endless love and support to Johnny and Matthew’s family, friends, fans,…
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) August 30, 2024
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
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs join the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 30, 2024
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames…
New York Rangers
The entire New York Rangers organization is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau. We send our deepest condolences to Johnny and Matthew’s family, friends, and loved ones. https://t.co/zWD2c6oBaH
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 30, 2024
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins extend our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family on the passing of Johnny and his brother, Matthew, whose lives were taken far too soon.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) August 30, 2024
Johnny played each game with joy and his love for the game of hockey was felt by all those who watched.
Our hearts are with… pic.twitter.com/dsXlsmKBGc
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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