NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, a minor league hockey player, were killed by an alleged drunk driver while riding bikes in their hometown of Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 29, 2024. The brothers were in town to celebrate their younger sister’s wedding. They were meant to be groomsmen in the wedding and it was planned for August 30th, the day before they passed. Tragically, the brothers–both of whose wives are expecting mothers–died from the severity of their injuries.

Johnny played 11 seasons in the NHL, playing for both the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames as a left winger. Johnny’s brother, Matthew, played for Boston University in his earlier years. Matthew went on to play professionally for five seasons in the AHL, ECHL, and Sweden’s HockeyEttan. 

The two brothers were not just blood, they were best friends. They were known for always being by each other’s side, rooting one another on: “Everything was always John and Matty,”  relayed Merdith, Johnny’s wife, in her eulogy.

Sean Higgins, the man responsible for the deaths of Johnny and Matthew, is now in jail on vehicular homicide charges. Higgins, age 43, was trying to pass two slower moving vehicles when he struck the Gaudreau brothers on their bikes. ​​According to a police affidavit, the trooper who arrived on the scene detected a “strong odor of alcohol,” and Higgins admitted to having had five to six beers that day. Not only this but he also revealed he consumed alcohol while driving which was proven true by his failed sobriety test. Higgins explained to investigators that his drinking and impatience were factors leading to his careless and irritated driving. 

Katie Gaudreau, their sister, canceled her wedding after her brothers’ deaths. Katie has stated on social media that she will honor her brothers at the rescheduled ceremony by wearing a wedding band engraved with their initials.  

Johnny is remembered as a role model, on and off the rink. Edmonton Oilers captain, Connor McDavid, said,  “The whole hockey world will miss [Johnny]…I will miss [Johnny].”

The funeral for both of the Gaudreau brothers took place on September 9th, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Family, friends, and their hockey family all gathered together to mourn the loss of Johnny and Matthew. Local churches offered signs of prayer and love to the Gaudreau family. Hundreds attended the service. Some children even dressed in Johnny’s NHL jersey, representing number 13.

Both of the NHL teams that Johnny played for, held candlelight vigils in their respective cities in the days following the incident. Thousands of fans gathered at the candlelight to honor John. Hockey fans around the country are posting on social media in remembrance of the brothers’ lives. 

In the heartbreaking eulogy from Matthew’s wife, Madeline, she remarks,  “Their legacy will live on through the lives of everyone they touched.”