The Columbus sports community has suffered a tragic loss.
Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed on Thursday night when they were struck by a car while cycling in Salem County, New Jersey. The Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey, where they grew up, for their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled to be held on Friday afternoon.
Johnny Gaudreau was just 31 years old; Matthew was 29.
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Gaudreau was entering his third season with the Blue Jackets after signing a seven-year contract with the team in 2022. A Boston College graduate, Gaudreau starred with the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets; he was an All-Star in seven of his 10 NHL seasons.
Johnny Gaudreau
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024
Aug. 13, 1993 Aug. 29, 2024 pic.twitter.com/QGPsV4v7mv
Ohio State, its hockey teams and its president Ted Carter was among those who shared condolences on social media following Gaudreau’s passing.
Our sincere condolences to the Gaudreau family and @BlueJacketsNHL.
— Ohio State (@OhioState) August 30, 2024
Sending our condolences to the Gaudreau family and @BlueJacketsNHL. https://t.co/VL4y7DxOdA
— Ohio State Men's Hockey (@OhioStateMHKY) August 30, 2024
We send our sincerest condolences to the Gaudreau family and @BlueJacketsNHL https://t.co/noDdszAih2
— Ohio State Women's Hockey (@OhioStateWHKY) August 30, 2024
Our hearts are with the Gaudreau family, their friends, the entire hockey community and @BlueJacketsNHL.
— Walter Ted Carter Jr. (@OhioStatePres) August 30, 2024
An Ohio State spokesperson said Friday that OSU will hold a moment of silence for the Gaudreaus before the football team’s season opener against Akron on Saturday.
