Columbus Blue Jackets Forward Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew struck and killed by car
Earlier today, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced the death of forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, who were struck and killed by a car while bicycling on Thursday evening.
The accident took place the night before their sister’s wedding.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” said the Blue Jackets in their press release. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
According to Jeff Goldman of NJ.com, “Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew R. Gaudreau, 29, were riding north on County Road 551 in Salem County when a man driving an SUV tried to pass two other vehicles and hit the brothers, State Police said.”
Mike Greenberg of ESPN added more information to the situation, “The driver was arrested. Charged with two counts of driving under the influence and death by auto.”
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving : “Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2020. These deaths were all preventable.”
