A makeshift memorial grew on the side of the road Friday in Salem County, N.J., where Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, tragically perished Thursday evening.
Bouquets of flowers were left by mourners at the intersection of Pennsville Auburn Road and Stumpy Lane in Pendricktown after the siblings were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver on the eve of their sister’s Friday wedding.
A mini hockey stick at the scene also read, “R.I.P. Johnny ‘Hockey’ Gaudreau,” referencing his nickname.
Miles away in Columbus, NHL fans left blooms and memorabilia outside of Nationwide Arena, where Gaudreau played for the past two seasons as a member of the Blue Jackets.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the Blue Jackets said in a statement Friday morning.
“We extended our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
Gaudreau, who married wife Meredith in September 2021, was 31 years old. Matthew was 29.
The Gaudreau family broke their silence Friday afternoon, thanking those for messages of support.
“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans,” patriarch Jim Gaudreau said in a statement obtained by WBZ-TV.
Follow the NY Post’s coverage on NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s tragic death at 31:
“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief. From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families).”
Gaudreau began his NHL career with the Calgary Flames, who selected the former Boston College athlete 104th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.
He spent nine years in Calgary before signing a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with Columbus in July 2022.
He and Matthew had been biking close to the side of County Route 551 in Oldsman Township, N.J., on Thursday night when they were hit and later succumbed to their injuries, according to police.
43-year-old Sean Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto and allegedly told a trooper he consumed “five to six beers” before the devastating incident.