Former Boston College hockey standout Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed in bike crash
by: Melanie DaSilva
(WPRI) — Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday after they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles, according to New Jersey State Police.
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were in the area for their sister’s wedding on Friday in Philadelphia. They were going to be groomsmen.
State police said the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit the Gaudreau brothers from behind while trying to pass an SUV on the right that had moved over for the two on their bikes. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. He has been charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
The Blue Jackets called their deaths an “unimaginable tragedy” in a statement on social media.
“Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his [family] and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew,” the team said in a statement.
Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” the former Boston College standout also played for Team USA.
Matthew played with Johnny at BC and then in the ECHL for the Worcester Railers and the Reading Royals.
The crash remains under investigation.