Prepare yourself for a gut-wrenching revelation in the sports world. The NHL suffered a significant loss as star player Johnny Gaudreau, a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew, perished in a car crash in New Jersey, USA.
The heart-rending incident unfolded on a Thursday near Philadelphia, as the siblings were cycling on their way to attend their sister's wedding. The driver responsible for this devastating accident has been arrested, under suspicion of driving under the influence at the time.
Upon hearing the news, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman expressed his grief, remembering Gaudreau not just for his hockey prowess, but also as a devoted family man. The German ice hockey association echoed similar sentiments, expressing their horror and sympathy.
Tragically, the accident took place in Salem, the planned location for their sister's wedding. Despite the unimaginable loss, the German ice hockey association extended their sympathies to Gaudreau's family and teams.
The driver involved in the crash was identified as Sean M. Higgins. Higgins confessed to authorities that he had been drinking heavily prior to the incident. Court documents confirm that Higgins' BAC was 0.087%, slightly above the legal limit in New Jersey at the time of the crash.
Nicknamed "Johnny Hockey," Gaudreau boasted an impressive 642-point score in the 644 games he played in the NHL. He holds the highest scores for both categories among American players in World Championships, with 30 assists and a total of 43 points.
The German ice hockey association expressed their deepest sympathies towards Johnny's family and teams. In the face of this tragedy, the spirit of camaraderie and resilience within the sports community continues to shimmer.
[For those with a keen interest in sports history, here are some insightful reads:]
[1] New York Times. (2024, December). Indictment Details Fatal Crash Involving NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau.
*[2] ESPN. (2025, January). Defense Sought for Johnny Gaudreau's Killer.
[3] CNN. (2025, February). Ongoing Legal Battle Over Fatal Car Crash Involving Johnny Gaudreau.
[4] AP News. (2025, March). Defense Team Seeks Dismissal of Johnny Gaudreau's Killer's Indictment.
