(NewsNation) — Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, have died, the NHL team confirmed Friday morning.
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and his brother was 29, reported ESPN.
Their causes of death are unconfirmed, but The Columbus Dispatch reports that some believe the Gaudreau brothers are the as-of-now-unidentified victims in a bicycle crash Thursday night in New Jersey.
The two were set to take part in their sister’s wedding this weekend.
Johnny Gaudreau had played for the Columbus Blue Jackets since the 2022-2023 season when he joined the team as a free agent after playing for the Calgary Flames.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend 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 Matt.”
Gaudreau was a gifted player but he also left an impact with his sportsmanship. He finished in the top 12 voting for the NHL’s Lady Byng Memorial Trophy six times since his career began in 2014, and won the award in 2017. It’s given to the player who sets a high standard in his conduct and his play.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets’ statement continued. “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.
“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.”
The team asked for prayers for the Gaudreau family and “that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”