NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed by suspected drunk driver while biking in New Jersey

 NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were tragically killed on Thursday night while cycling, after being struck by a suspected drunk driver, authorities confirmed.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother, Matthew, were biking in Old mans Township, New Jersey, when a driver attempting to pass another vehicle fatally hit them, according to Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police in a statement on Friday.

The driver, identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. He was charged with two counts of death by auto and booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility. Sgt. Lebron could not confirm whether Higgins had retained legal representation.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, the responding officer reported a "strong odor" of alcohol on Higgins' breath at the scene. Higgins admitted to consuming five to six beers prior to the crash and failed a sobriety test.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, Gaudreau's team in Ohio, expressed their sorrow in a statement on Friday morning.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," the team said. "We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Meredith, their children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, and the entire Gaudreau family."

Known affectionately as "Johnny Hockey," Gaudreau was revered for his dazzling offensive skills and remarkable scoring ability.

Gaudreau played with his brother at Boston College before being drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011, where he quickly became a fan favorite. He was a seven-time NHL All-Star. In 2022, he signed a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets and was set to begin his third season with the team.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement reflecting on Gaudreau's legacy: "Johnny Gaudreau often shared how his father taught him to skate as a child in New Jersey. That same passion remained throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A gifted playmaker, Gaudreau was a fixture in the NHL All-Star Game, loved by fans, particularly during the skills competitions."

After retiring from professional hockey, Gaudreau's brother Matthew followed in their father’s footsteps and became head coach of their alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also expressed his condolences in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "Fran and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of @BlueJacketsNHL's Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Our thoughts are with the entire Blue Jackets organization as they mourn the loss of one of their own."

The crash is still under investigation, authorities reported.