The hockey community is coming together to honor NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who tragically lost their lives last week in New Jersey. They were riding their bikes when a suspected drunk driver hit them.
Jaromir Jagr shared a heartfelt video on social media Tuesday, featuring Johnny’s assist on his final NHL goal—his 766th—while they played together for the Calgary Flames in 2018.
Jagr expressed his feelings in Czech, saying, “That was a beautiful pass above all. Sadly, life can be incredibly harsh. Thank you, Johnny Gaudreau, for inspiring so many with your amazing performances, showing them that they too can achieve success at the highest level in the NHL. My deepest condolences to your family. Rest in peace to you and your brother.”
Support for Matthew’s widow, Madeline, has been remarkable, especially since she is expecting their first child in December. A GoFundMe campaign started by Madeline’s sister, Holland Korbitz, is verified and has raised over $550,000 by Tuesday afternoon, far exceeding its original goal of $30,000.
Current and former players, along with their family members, have generously contributed to the cause. Notable donations include $3,000 from Artemi Panarin’s family and $2,013 from Dallas Stars player Matt Duchene, bringing the total to $552,554.
Cliff Rucker, owner of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers HC, where Matthew played for two seasons, stands out as the top donor with a contribution of $10,000.
Rucker shared a message of support saying, “Maddy, the entire Railers HC family is with you during this incredibly tough time. You and Matty will always be a part of our family, and we hope you feel the love we are sending your way.”
The collision occurred on Thursday night in Oldmans Township when the driver of an SUV, trying to pass two other vehicles, struck the Gaudreau brothers from behind. Tragically, they were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, is suspected of being intoxicated and faces charges of two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving and alcohol-related offenses. Updates on the investigation, including the driver’s blood alcohol level, have not yet been released.
Details about funeral or memorial services are still pending. Fans in Columbus created a memorial outside the Blue Jackets’ arena with hockey sticks, flowers, and other tributes. Additionally, Calgary Flames fans honored the brothers by writing messages and Johnny’s number, 13, in chalk outside the Saddledome.
The Blue Jackets announced that fans are invited to a candlelight vigil on Wednesday evening outside Nationwide Arena. This will include brief remarks from team members and a moment of silence for 13 minutes and 21 seconds—reflecting the jersey numbers worn by Johnny and Matthew.
General manager Don Waddell and several players are scheduled to speak with the media on Wednesday.
Wayne Gretzky expressed his condolences on social media over Labor Day weekend, stating, “Janet, our family, and I are heartbroken by this tragedy. We send our love, thoughts, and prayers to the Gaudreau family. We have lost two remarkable young men who were deeply loved, both on and off the ice. Johnny and Matthew, you will always be remembered and missed.”
The brothers’ passing came just before their sister Katie’s wedding scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia, a moment now overshadowed by grief. While announcing the news during ESPN’s Monday night college football broadcast of the game between Florida State and Boston College, where the Gaudreau brothers once played, broadcaster Bob Wischusen shared heartfelt condolences, saying, “The entire NHL, along with the Boston College community and many others, was devastated upon hearing about the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Our hearts are broken, and we extend our deepest sympathy to their wives, Johnny’s young children, Matthew’s unborn child, and all their family and friends.”
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Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press writers Bruce Shipkowski in New Jersey and Karel Janicek in Prague.
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