Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday evening in South Jersey.
Here’s what we know about the unexpected passing of the Gaudreau brothers.
How did Johnny Gaudreau die?
Originally reported by 6ABC, two bicyclists were hit and killed in a car accident around Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township at approximately 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.
On Friday morning, the New Jersey State Police confirmed the identity of those bicyclists as Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
According to police, the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, was traveling north on County Route 611 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Higgins allegedly entered the southbound lane in attempting to pass a slow-moving sedan and SUV.
As Higgins tried to re-enter the lane, police said, the SUV in front moved toward the middle to pass the two bicyclists safely on the right side of the road.
As Higgins re-merged into the lane, police said, he then attempted to pass the SUV on the right side of the road and struck both Gaudreau brothers, who were close to the fog line at the time.
According to police, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. He’s being charged with two counts of death by auto, and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.
This crash remains an active investigation, and no additional information is available.
Who is Matthew Gaudreau?
Matthew Gaudreau, like his brother, played professional hockey.
Both Gaudreau brothers attended Boston College and went on different pathways for their professional careers.
While Johnny was drafted in the fourth round of the NHL draft by the Flames in 2011, Matthew would bounce around in the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League, which are both minor league affiliates of the NHL.
In 2019, Matthew played for the Philadelphia Flyers ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals.
Matthew was 29 years old.
Where is Oldmans Township, NJ?
Oldmans Township is located in the western most part of South Jersey in Salem County.
It is surrounded by Carney’s Point, Penn’s Grove, the Delaware River and Swedesboro.
Why was Johnny Gaudreau in South Jersey?
Johnny Gaudreau was home for his sister’s wedding.
The wedding was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: What happened to Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew?
Source Agencies
