Sean Higgins, 39 of Woodstown
NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Matthew Killed in Tragic Accident as Community Mourns
The day the sports world stood still was August 29, 2024 when NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed in a biking accident in Oldmans Township New Jersey. That news rocked the hockey world and beyond, as fans, teammates and family members dealt with the loss of two immensely cherished individuals.
The Tragedy as it Happened in Oldmans Township, NJ
It was a peaceful evening in Oldmans Township, NJ — the kind of night where nothing unusual happens and residents feel safe within its bucolic borders. Johnny Gaudreau, who is known as “Johnny Hockey,” and his brother Matthew were cycling on Country Route 551 North when the whole incident took place. Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, NJ overtook another vehicle but and while drunk he collided with Gaudreau brothers who were killed immediately
Sean Higgins, 39 of Woodstown, NJ was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts death by auto; The horrific accident has only fostered concerns about the impact of driving drunk, especially in a community as small and interconnected as Oldmans Township. Now the local community, and the hockey world at-large. has a death to mourn as they are left to watch this investigation unfold.
Recalling Johnny Gaudreau: Hockey Titan
Johnny Gaudreau wasn’t any NHL player; he was an ember of joy and aspiration on the ice. Johnny was born August 13,1993 in Salem County,N.J., grew up playing Hockey along with his brother Matthew. When he got into youth leagues, it was a clear thing — Johnny Lane had talent. That led to him eventually earning a scholarship at Boston College from 2011–14.
Johnny was so talented that he won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 which is one of college hockey’s most distinguised awards for being a right winger on Boston College. He was drafted by the Calgary Flames after having success in college. He was nothing short of phenomenal during his time with the Flames. He is best known for his exceptional speed and agility, as well as a playmaking ability that resulted in the nickname(NHL) Johnny Hockey. He was presented in 2017 with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, given to a player who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct along with an exceptional standard of playing ability.
After a summer of being one of the hottest names in trade talk, Johnny Gaudreau made things official with his new team and headed out to Columbus for the next seven years. That was something that shined through immediately with his infectious effervescence and high-caliber skill set making him a quick fan favorite in Columbus.
Matt Grzelcyk Brother, Matthew Gaudreau: A Life in the Shadow of Hockey Stardom
As Johnny Gaudreau shone in the NHL spotlight, his younger brother Matthew also constructed a credible hockey journey. Matthew, born on December 7th of 1994 played at Boston College and graduated in the year2017 as well joining his brother. Matthew, unlike Johnny,mnever made it to the NHL but had a successful minor league career with teams like the Worcester Railers
More recently, Matthew has entered the coaching ranks as a head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey. Erik Miller was a very popular figure in the local hockey circuit, his love of the game and commitment to help younger players moving him into an almost legendary status. The awful event of Matthew’s death, along with his brother Johnny has created a loss to many who were graced with knowing him.
The Gaudreau Family — A Tight-knit Bunch
The Gaudreau family has always been tight-knit with hockey as a focal point for all of them. Guy and Jane Gaudreau, Johnny’s parents used to support the two kids at every game they played. Family man: The brothers were known for their deep relationship with family and frequently mentioned the impact their parents had on them success-wise
Gaudreau was also known for being a dedicated husband and father. Survivor: he leaves 2 young children, Noa and Johnny Jr. He idolized his family above all else on and off the ice -ask anyone of them how much he loved Merideth (Gaudreau), it was immeasurable- but take a moment to glimpse in #13’s eyes when speaking of those babies… only then do you get just an inkling at what fatherhood meant to him! The Gaudreau family are devastated as they begin to try and navigate life without the two sons, husband and father.
Community Reaction: Mourning and Memorializing the Man
The passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau has rocked the hockey world at large. Columbus Bluejackets released a statement that says while hearing this news they are deeply saddened and giving their deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family. The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Matiss Kivlenieks. He wrote: Johnny transcended the sport in which he dedicated his life to. He was not only an unexceptional star, but a loving husband, father son brother and friend.
Reactions flooded in from all parts of the hockey world as Former team mates, coaches and followers expressed their thoughts about Johnny & Matthew. While the legacy of Johnny Gaudreau has nothing compared to this, it is a testament to his deep personal relationships that inspired an emotional response around him.
Calgary, where Johnny spent the largest portion of his NHL career, mourned with fellow employees and fans at Flames games. “Johnny was a once in-a-generation player who brought joy to so many,” said the Flames. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the Gaudreau family at this moment of deep sadness.
BIG PICTURE: A NEED FOR CHANGE
The deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have brought the horrors of drunk driving to the forefront once again. While the driver involved in the incident, Sean Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto, its also brought to light how impaired driving continues to plague communities throughout United States.
Woodstown, NJ and Oldmans Township Lead Local Campaigns for Increased DUI Enforcement And Awareness The death of two people like Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is a tragic reminder how serious drunk driving can be.
Johnny and Matthew: Love & the Game
Hockey world pays tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Johnny’s tremendous career and the joy he brought to fans everywhere will never be forgotten, or Matthew amazing coaching of young football players.
In the days since they passed, and through their friends and family stories of Johnny and Matthew almost too many to count we’ve come to learn how kind both men were off camera (so much so that Windsorite Ryan Ramsey on The Incident Room told Matty he heard tales from random strangers about their terrific podcast), demonstrating a humility uncommon in media personalities especially ones as accomplished as these two-by-four Men’s League All-Stars. Johnny would be one of the last players to leave after a game, patiently signing every autograph whenever he was needed while Matthew would go out onto the ice for extra sessions with some kids.
Conclusion- A Time to Reflect and Heal
Johnny Gaudreau and Mathieu have passed away, the hockey community and their hometown of Salem County in New Jersey are stricken with outrage. While the investigation into how this happened is still ongoing, our main concern at this time is uniting to show support for a family currently in crisis.
There is no doubt that the life stories of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will continue to inspire those who knew them, as well as their countless fans, with its strength. The hockey community is in tears, but their sorrow has been met with assurances to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again and the subject of drunk driving will be at an all-time high.
Ultimately, the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will not only consist in their playing careers, but also in the laughter they brought to family members, friends and fans. We will miss them dearly, but they have left us a rich legacy that will live on in the memory of those who were privileged to know them.
