Police suspect drunk driver killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother

NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, are suspected to have been fatally hit by a drunk driver. The Gaudreau brothers, aged 31 and 29, were identified as the two cyclists who were tragically killed by a vehicle on Thursday night in Salem County, New Jersey, with confirmation coming on Friday morning. The accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township.
The brothers were heading north on County Route 551, close to the edge of the road when they were reportedly struck and killed by a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, New Jersey. According to police, he was attempting to overtake an SUV when he hit the Gaudreau brothers from behind.
Both brothers succumbed to their injuries, and the man is suspected of being under the influence at the time of the crash. A “strong odor of alcohol,” was detected by the trooper who arrived at the scene, according to the police affidavit.
The man allegedly admitted to the trooper that he had consumed “five to six beers” prior to the accident and acknowledged to investigators that his alcohol consumption contributed to his reckless driving. He subsequently failed a field sobriety test, as per the trooper’s report.
The man has been charged with two counts of death by auto, according to state police, and is currently detained at Salem County Correctional Facility. The passing of hockey forward Gaudreau was confirmed on Friday morning by his team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the NHL, both of whom released heartfelt statements.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by the unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
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It continued: “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 Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice.
“He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.
“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also offered condolences to the family. “Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey, and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons,” Bettman said.
“A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.”
The tragedy occurred just days before the brothers were set to attend their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia, where they were due to be groomsmen for Katie.