Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau was fatally struck by a vehicle Thursday night in New Jersey, one day before attending his sisters wedding.
Gaudreau, alongside his 29 year old brother Matthew, a retired professional hockey player were both killed in the collision.
Police said the brothers were riding bicycles in the area when they were struck by a man driving a Jeep. Officers said the 43-year-old driver, a resident of New Jersey identified as Sean Higgins, was taken into custody, and that they believe he was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The collision remains under investigation, however Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
The Blue Jackets released a statement earlier in the morning saying “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the team said. “Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice.”
Gaudreau played 763 regular season games, scoring 241 goals and 498 assists for a 739 point career, being a point per game player on multiple occasions.
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