NHL star hit, killed by alleged drunk driver night before sister's wedding

Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed Thursday night when they were riding bikes and struck by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, according to police in New Jersey.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," the NHL team said in a statement. "Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend."

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were cycling in Salem County, "close to the fog line of the roadway," when they were hit from behind by a driver who was trying to pass another car, according to New Jersey State Police.

The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, had been trying to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV in front of him in the northbound lanes, so he moved to the southbound lanes and passed the sedan, police said. Higgins was trying to re-enter the northbound lane "when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass" the cyclists, police said.

Higgins then allegedly tried to pass the SUV on the right, and that's when he struck the brothers, according to police.

Higgins, who told police he had about 5 or 6 beers before the crash, failed a field sobriety test, according to the probable cause affidavit.

Higgins told authorities that his drinking "contributed to his impatience and reckless driving," the probable cause affidavit said.

Higgins is charged with two counts of death by auto, according to police.

Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind his wife and two children. Matthew Gaudreau is survived by his wife, who is pregnant.

The brothers also leave behind their parents and two sisters. The Gaudreau brothers' deaths came the night before their sister, Katie, was set to get married, according to their former coaches.

Johnny Gaudreau, a winger, won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the best player in college hockey. He was also a finalist for the Calder Trophy, given to the league's best rookie, in 2014-15, and named to the All-Star Game in 2015. He played nine seasons for the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets before the 2022-23 season. He had 12 goals and 48 assists last season.

"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice," the Blue Jackets said. "He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, "While Johnny's infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path."

Both brothers played hockey at Boston College.

"It's shocking," BC hockey coach Greg Brown said at a news conference Friday. "It's almost unimaginable to lose them both."

"The things they could do on the ice were magical. But beyond their talent, they were tremendous teammates," the coach recalled. "They lit up the room when they walked in."

"People talk about Johnny as an Olympic player, a world-class talent -- but beyond that, he was someone who elevated the level of practice just by being there," retired BC hockey coach Jerry York added. "Johnny was well-respected by all -- the students, the teachers and certainly by Greg and I. If you asked us to name our favorite players, both of those boys would be among them."

Before attending BC, the brothers played hockey at Gloucester Catholic High School in their native New Jersey. Matthew Gaudreau returned to the high school as a hockey coach, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said.

"To every member of the Gaudreau family, please know that the people of New Jersey grieve with you," Murphy said in a statement.

"Johnny and Matt were incredible hockey players and students, but even more amazing human beings," Gloucester Catholic High School Principal Thomas Iacovone Jr. said in a statement. "Their loss will be felt forever by the entire Gloucester Catholic community and by me personally. I will continue to pray for them and their families during this unimaginable tragedy."

The brothers' uncle wrote in a statement, "Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two uncles, two nephews, two cousins, two family members two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans."

The driver made an initial court appearance via Zoom on Friday. He spoke briefly to say he understood the charges and would be hiring his own attorney. His detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5.

ABC News' Ben Stein, Jason Volack, Kendall Coughlin and Lena Camilletti contributed to this report.