NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew were killed during a bike ride in Oldsman Township, New Jersey on Thursday night.
Detectives say Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were riding on Stumpy Lane around 8:30 p.m. when they were struck by a passing car.
It is unclear at this time what caused the accident. According to New Jersey State Police, the driver did stay at the scene.
The brothers are from Salem County, New Jersey.
The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, regarding the accident.
"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devasted by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend," the statement reads.
Johnny was the Blue Jackets' lead forward after signing with the squad in 2022 as an unrestricted free agent.
"The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the inedible impression he made on everyone who knew him," the statement continued.
According to a wedding listing , Johnny and Matthew were set to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding, which was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
Johnny attended Boston College, where he captured the Hobey Baker Award in 2014. The forward played for the Blue jackets and Calgary Flames over the span of 11 seasons.
Over the course of his 11 seasons in the NHL, Johnny recorded 243 goals and 743 points in 763 games.
Matthew also played his collegiate career at Boston College before entering the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He also spent time in the ECHL with the Worcester Railers and Reading Royals.
"At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve," the Columbus Blue Jackets said.
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