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The death of Johnny Gaudreau is another tragic loss for the Columbus Blue Jackets

Vaseline August 30, 2024

Three years after goalie Matiss Kivlenieks was killed in a fireworks disaster, the Blue Jackets are in mourning again.

The team is now mourning the death of forward Johnny Gaudreau, who was struck and killed Thursday while riding his bike with his younger brother, Matt, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. They were struck on a Salem County road around 8 p.m.

Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, state police said. He is currently in the Salem County Correctional Facility.

More: NHL ‘shocked and saddened’ by tragic death of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau

Gaudreau, 31, who had two young children with his wife Meredith, chose to play in Columbus after surprising the NHL by signing with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in July 2022. The team’s pain from dealing with another summer tragedy is evident in the lengthy statement released Friday about Gaudreau’s death.

The full text reads:

“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. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their families and friends, on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was evident to all who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.

“He brought joy to fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was immense, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and will do all we can to support his family and each other during this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”

Just 38 months after Kivlenieks was killed in a fireworks incident during a wedding reception in the backyard of former Blue Jackets goalie coach Manny Legace’s home, the same NHL team is now mourning the loss of Gaudreau on the day he and his brother were to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.

A Blue Jackets spokesman said Friday that while the team mourns Gaudreau’s death, the team will not comment further until a later date. No information was available about memorial services.

After beginning his NHL career with nine seasons with the Calgary Flames, Gaudreau spent two years in Columbus after signing a seven-year contract. His Blue Jackets career ended with 33 goals, 101 assists and 134 points in 161 games, but Gaudreau’s loss will be much harder to swallow in the Nationwide Arena locker room. His loss is also mourned throughout the NHL, where he left a legacy as a respected player and beloved figure.

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and his astonishing skills on the ice earned him the nickname “Johnny Hockey,” he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a devoted father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

The deaths of Gaudreau and Kivlenieks were preceded by the March 2002 shooting death of Blue Jackets fan Brittanie Cecil at Nationwide Arena. Cecil, 13, was struck in the head by a deflected puck on March 16, 2002, and died two days later ― just two days shy of her 14th birthday.^and birthday.

Cecil’s death was the first of its kind in NHL history and prompted the installation of safety nets at both ends of all arenas in the league.

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@BrianHedger