The sports world is mourning following the untimely and tragic deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and his brother Matthew was a mere 29. They were cycling in New Jersey on Thursday when they were struck by a vehicle, leading to fatal injuries. According to the state police, a driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit them from behind when it was attempting to overtake an SUV. Police reached the scene by 8:19, but things were already beyond their hands at that time, and they couldn’t save the boys.

Blue Jackets initially withheld from commenting, but now have described the entire ordeal to be truly an “unimaginable tragedy”. They have issued a statement stating, “Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA and finally 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 it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.”

Johnny Gaudreau, standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 180 pounds, didn’t let his size be a limitation but rather an advantage. He became known for his speed and his skill—his talent and passion for the game was strong. But his life was cut short because of a senseless, completely avoidable accident by a drunk driver, as reported by the police. 

The driver in question is Sean Higgins, a 43-year-old man, who told the police that before the crash he had five or six beers and was indeed the one behind the wheel. ​​He confessed to the police his drinking resulted in “his impatience and reckless driving.” According to the affidavit, he also failed the sobriety test. The punishment? Police mentioned that he would be charged with two counts of death by auto.

However, nothing can bring back the life of the two bright young people. Johnny Gaudreau was a stellar baseball player, and he played in 11 NHL seasons for the Flames and Blue Jackets. He then joined Columbus, agreeing on a seven-year contract with the Columbus. The team is absolutely shocked by the news of Johnny and his brother. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said, “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.”

Just like Johnny Gaudreau, even his brother Matthew played hockey at Boston College for several teams in the minor leagues. Tragically, Gaudreau’s death is the latest off-ice tragedy for the Blue Jackets. In July 2021, goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died after being struck by a firework at a wedding in Michigan. Meanwhile, fans are flooding the socials, with messages of love, support, and heartbreak but mostly anger.

Fan’s outrage takes over social media after the tragic news

Sports fans are angry, a fan declared, “Sentence dr–k drivers to indefinite torture” — and their sentiments highlight a sad reality. Every day about 37 people in the United States alone, die in such drunk-driving crashes. This highlights that there is an urgent need for stricter measures and awareness to prevent such losses. 

Highlighting the same, a fan commented, “There needs to be a harsher punishment for drunk drivers.” This reaction reflects a broader frustration with a serious issue. In 2022 alone, the stats say that 13,524 people have lost their lives because of such incidents. The worst part—accidents could have been avoided, and people could have been alive and well with their families. 

Most fans, couldn’t help but emphasize, one saying, “F—king sad.” Imagine the loss of his family members, the parents lost their two sons, a son lost his father, and a team lost their mate. Gary Bettman, the NHL commissioner recalling Johnny said, he was an “infectious spirit” a reflection of the joy and energy he brought to everyone surrounding him.

A person highlighted a reality, “No way they were gonna be groomsmen for their sister’s wedding.” This is true, the brothers who were New Jersey natives were in the area to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. It truly, as highlighted by the Blue Jackets, is an unimaginable tragedy.

A user said, “MLB W for this R.I.P. Johnny hockey and Matthew Gaudreau!!” Johnny Hockey is a name that Johnny got after showcasing his mantle, his skills, and his spirit for the game. His teammates have commented on the incidents. Blake Coleman, his former Flames teammate, said he was gutted. Meanwhile, Eddie Lack said, he was shaking from the news. 

The reality is that Johnny Hockey and his brother were more than just hockey players. They were cherished family members, dedicated friends, and inspirational figures whose lives touched many. And that two lives who could be here, aren’t because of alcohol abuse.