“We are Gaudreau Strong” — the uncle of deceased NHL stars has conveyed that the Gaudreau family is trying their best to cope with the tragedy that struck them. Picking up their passion for hockey from their father who was a college hockey player, the Gaudreau brothers set out on their journey and it’s nothing short of remarkable that both made it to the professional league. However, their journey was cut short. Amid this moment of distress, former NBA star Charles Barkley has also extended a message of condolence.

Recently, Chuck stated the loss suffered by the Gaudreau family has hurt the entire sports world. “Hurt us a lot to lose those two young kids and my condolences to that family… We are family, all sports,” he said on 97.5 The Fanatic. The former Philadelphia 76ers star further highlighted the sadness. What was supposed to be an upcoming moment of happiness has at present turned into a moment of grief.

Notably, the two brothers were in their family hometown in New Jersey for their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding. Understanding the moment of despair for the family in their huge loss, Charles Barkley admitted there are no words in the world that he could say to make them feel better. All he could do was pray — “bless the Gaudreau family going through this very difficult time.”

During an interview with The Players’ Tribune, Johnny Gaudreau once said, “I know the saying ‘I was born to become a hockey player’ is a little too cliche, but I don’t know how else to put it.” And that’s how the journey began. You would be surprised to know that it was the love of sugar for little Johnny that his father played on to get him to engage in a few skating strides. Guy Gaudreau would throw Skittles on the ice and consequently, Johnny would start chasing after them. This is what their practice sessions looked like. Eventually, he honed his craft.

Moving on, the two NHL stars lost their lives on August 29 while biking after they were hit by a man who was allegedly inebriated during the incident. The only relief for everyone grieving right now is that the state police apprehended the accused. He admitted to being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. Notably, Johnny is survived by his wife and two children, while Matthew’s wife is expecting his first child.

LeBron James extends message of condolence for the Gaudreau family

Bron was among the first NBA stars to express his grief at the demise of the Gaudreau brothers. As soon as LeBron James read the details of the tragedy from a post on X, the 4x NBA champ extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

“Insane man… I instantly got so down and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above,” he wrote. Notably, as an Akron, Ohio native, James has distant ties with the NHL’s Blue Jackets — Ohio’s only team.

He is also a minority partner with Fenway Sports Group — owners of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Notably, the Penguins share the Metropolitan Division with the Blue Jackets. But, above all, LeBron and the Gaudreau brothers shared the unspoken bond of being athletes — members of one big sports family, as NBA legend Charles Barkley himself put it.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.