NHL star Gaudreau andHis Sibling Suffer Road Accident Involving a Vehicle
Stunning news for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the NHL: Seven-time All-Star Johnny Gaudreau has passed away. The team from Ohio made the announcement. "The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and saddened by this unfathomable tragedy," the statement expressed. Gaudreau met his end in an accident, and his younger brother Matthew also lost his life.
Johnny (31) and Matthew Gaudreau (29) were reportedly cycling near their hometown of Salem, New Jersey, when they were struck by a car on Thursday evening. The driver of a Jeep is alleged to have attempted to pass a SUV on the right after it had yielded for the Gaudreaus. The driver is suspected of being under the influence. The investigation is ongoing.
"Johnny's infectious love for the game"
Gaudreau, affectionately known as "Johnny Hockey," played eleven years in the NHL, spending nine seasons with the Calgary Flames and two with the Blue Jackets. The Flames selected the American national player in 2011 at position 104. "This heart-wrenching loss leaves us bereft. Johnny was and will always be a cherished member of the Flames family and adored in all of Calgary," the Canadians penned on their social media.
"Johnny was not only a phenomenal hockey player, but primarily a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our most sincere sympathies to his wife Meredith, his children Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family, and friends for the sudden loss of Johnny and Matt," the Blue Jackets wrote.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also shares in the mourning. "Johnny's infectious love for the game and his awe-inspiring skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' but he was more than just an incredible hockey player," the commissioner was quoted in an official league statement. "We grieve alongside his teammates, the members of the Blue Jackets and Flames, his numerous hockey friends, and countless fans worldwide, for whom he created unforgettable moments on and off the ice."
The NHL community is in mourning after the untimely passing of Johnny Gaudreau, a seven-time All-Star who spent eleven seasons in the league, primarily with the Calgary Flames. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recognized Johnny's infectious love for the game and his skill on the ice, affectionately known as "Johnny Hockey."
