NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother killed on the eve of his sister's wedding

NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday night when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in New Jersey, police said.

They died one day before their sister Katie's wedding.

The Gaudreau brothers were to be groomsmen at the wedding, scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. Johnny Gaudreau, 31, was an 11-year NHL veteran, and the Columbus Blue Jackets – his team since 2022 – called the deaths an “unimaginable tragedy” in a social media post.

The reactions came quickly, warmly and from across the entire sporting landscape.

Former Calgary Flames teammate Blake Coleman posted that he was “completely devastated. The world just lost one of the best,” and former goalie Eddie Lack wrote on X: “I don't know why I'm even writing this right now, I'm shaking, but Johnny was one of my favorite teammates I ever played with. Always upbeat, always spreading positivity around him. Rest in peace my friend and prayers for your beautiful family. Hugs to your loved ones.”

Lakers star LeBron James of Akron, Ohio, wrote on X: “Incredible man! I was immediately so devastated and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high and guide/protect and bless their family/s from heaven.”

New Jersey State Police said 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins attempted to pass two other vehicles when he struck the Gaudreau brothers on bicycles from behind. Higgins, of Woodstown, NJ, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. He is in custody.

“Johnny's infectious play and breathtaking skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' but he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a loving father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

The nickname “Johnny Hockey” is rooted in Gaudreau's dynamic blend of skill and speed on the ice. Despite being below average in size at 5'9″ and 175 pounds, he became a fan favorite and played for the Flames for nine years. He was an All-Star in 2022, when he scored career-highs with 40 goals and 75 assists.

In an unexpected move, Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets in 2022, choosing the perennial underdog over comparable offers from the more established New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders.

Gaudreau helped Boston College win the 2012 NCAA championship and received the Hobey Baker Award as the country's top college player in 2014. In the NHL, he scored 20-plus goals six times and totaled 642 points in 644 regular-season and playoff games.

Matthew Gaudreau, 29, graduated from Boston College in 2017 and played minor league hockey, most recently with the Worcester Railers in 2022. For the past two seasons, he has been a hockey coach at Gloucester Catholic High in New Jersey.

“I am devastated and heartbroken to hear of the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” said Jerry York, who coached the Gaudreau's at Boston College. “Not only were they great hockey players, but they were two outstanding young men. They represented their families and Boston College with the highest class. Please pray for the Gaudreau family during this tragic and unspeakable time.”

Marty Walsh, executive director of the NHLPA, said: “Johnny was a beloved teammate and friend in both Calgary and Columbus, and it was a joy to watch him during his 10 years and 763 games in the NHL. … The players and staff of the NHLPA are devastated by these terrible losses.”

USA Hockey said: “Words cannot adequately express the sadness of the hockey community.”

The Flames said Gaudreau “came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also as a beloved member of our community.”

Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind his wife Meredith and two young children, Noa and Johnny. Matthew Gaudreau leaves behind his wife Madeline, to whom he was married for three years.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.