Johnny Gaudreau & his brother tragically killed in car accident

The news broke last night that two cyclists in Salem, New Jersey were struck and killed by a driver. At the time, there was no confirmation in regard to the identities of the victims. However, rumors began to swirl online, with many claiming that Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were the victims. Fans approached these rumors with skepticism. Unfortunately, they were eventually confirmed this morning.

While hockey figures like Tim Peel attempted to get ahead of the story, the first major reliable source to confirm the news was the Blue Jackets themselves. This statement is a devastating one for all parties involved.

The Gaudreaus are from Salem, and the brothers were in town to celebrate their sister's wedding which was set to take place very soon. On the day of their passing, Katie Gaudreau and her future husband held their wedding rehearsal. It is yet another tragic detail in a story that has left the NHL world in complete shock.

Johnny Gaudreau was a standout player at Boston College who eventually went on to see great success with the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets. During this time, he was given the nickname Johnny Hockey thanks to his thrilling personality and on-ice heroics. He was a larger-than-life figure in the hockey world, which makes this most recent news that much more unbelievable.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family today. Our heart also extends to the NHL family and community which has lost a truly dynamic player and person. Gaudreau was beloved by his teammates and his family, and this loss of life is truly unfathomable. His brother Matthew was also beloved by many, and we hope fans remember to honor both of them following this devastating news.

Source: ABC
2 bicyclists struck, killed by driver in Salem County, New Jersey

Source: Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.