Yahoo Sports Former Flames Forward Johnny Gaudreau Passes Away
The Calgary Flames have joined the NHL community in mourning the devastating loss of Johnny Gaudreau, a star forward who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames, and his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau.
The brothers, aged 31 and 29, tragically died in a bicycle accident on Thursday evening in New Jersey. The accident happened just ahead of both Johnny and Matthew serving as groomsmen at their sister's wedding.
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 30, 2024
Reports from CBS Philadelphia and the Associated Press indicate that the Gaudreau brothers were cycling when they were struck by a car. The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was detained on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and two counts of death by auto.
In a statement released by the Flames, they wrote:
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau. Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.
They added, "It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary." Gaudreau spent many of his formative years as a player and teammate in Calgary and became an NHL superstar. He was also a beloved member of the Calgary community.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL, Gary Bettman, and hockey people both in media and alike have posted notes remembering Gaudreau on Friday.
Hours after news surfaced that Gaudreau may have passed on Thursday evening, the hockey world is stunned to learn that the rumors were true.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends, including teammates of both Johnny and Matthew.
