[News] Confirmed: Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matt have passed away

[ComixZone]

That is #%^*ing infuriating. Impatient drunk #%*%ing loser behind the wheel.

I am very sad.

[Draug]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Purple Gatorade and skittles for breakfast today

Just had bacon and eggs with a triple ceasar!

Life is just cruel sometimes.

RIP Johnny and Matthew.

Thoughts and prayers to the entire family, especially Sister Katie, who will forever be reminded of this whenever she reflects on her marriage. And of course to Guy and Jane; it's unimaginably tragic to out live your own kids. And then of course Meredith and their young children.... No words.

Prayers for all of them!

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Man that guy could have killed even more people with that pass on the right. As horrific as this is, could have been even worse if a single car had eventually appeared in the oncoming lane. Idiot.

[Itse]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy McGillicuddy

Statement from NJ State Police:

Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 8:19 p.m. on County Route 551 North, milepost 11.1 Oldmans Township, Salem County. Based on a preliminary investigation, two pedalcyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old male from Carneys Point, N.J., and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old male from Pedricktown, N.J., were traveling north on County Route 551, close to the fog line of the roadway. Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old male from Woodstown, N.J., was traveling north on CR 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and SUV. Higgins attempted to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lanes of travel, passed the slower-moving sedan, and attempted to re-enter the northbound lanes of travel when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass the two pedalcyclist traveling north on the right side of the roadway. Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two pedalcyclists in the rear. As a result of the collision, the two pedalcyclists sustained fatal injuries. Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, charged with two counts of death by auto, and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility. This crash remains an active investigation, and no additional information is available.

What an ass.

[fastpuck]

What a devastating time for his family. So many memories as a flame fan from eagerly waiting his BC signing with Conny till losing him to BJ. My brain is slowly processing this this morning. Forever 13

[BeltlineFan]

One of the few players that made every game exciting. RIP Johnny.

[WhiteTiger]

Originally Posted by Fuzzy McGillicuddy

Statement from NJ State Police:

Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 8:19 p.m. on County Route 551 North, milepost 11.1 Oldmans Township, Salem County. Based on a preliminary investigation, two pedalcyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old male from Carneys Point, N.J., and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old male from Pedricktown, N.J., were traveling north on County Route 551, close to the fog line of the roadway. Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old male from Woodstown, N.J., was traveling north on CR 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and SUV. Higgins attempted to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lanes of travel, passed the slower-moving sedan, and attempted to re-enter the northbound lanes of travel when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass the two pedalcyclist traveling north on the right side of the roadway. Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two pedalcyclists in the rear. As a result of the collision, the two pedalcyclists sustained fatal injuries. Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, charged with two counts of death by auto, and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility. This crash remains an active investigation, and no additional information is available.

##### drunk drivers.

[philip1985]

I followed this last night and was hoping it was a hoax. So sad to hear that this news is real. I can’t fathom what his family and friends are going through. As a dad of a young family this is my worst fear and as a parent you should never have to go through this.

This goes beyond the game but I have very fond memories of Johnny Hockey! He made the game fun and was one of most exciting players I had the pleasure of see grow in front of our eyes.

RIP to you and your brother, may there be tons of skittles in heaven. Thoughts with your family and friends.

[Doctorfever]

Rest in peace.

Thinking of the family, they will be absolutely devastated.

[the-rasta-masta]

It’s Iggy and Johnny for me as superstar forwards in my late teen/adult life. I wasn’t able to sleep last night but avoided checking my phone fearing I’d wake up to this. I can’t imagine the pain of that family on what was supposed to be a celebration day. I’m sorry Gaudreau family, and thank you Johnny for all the great moments. RIP Johnny and Matthew.

[Geeoff]

Johnny was a great Flame in his time here. Not only that but his father Guy was a great member of the Flames community and it's heartbreaking that he and his family have to go through this.

You also really have to feel for the Columbus Blue Jackets who have tragically lost teammates twice now due to freak accidents.

[SuperMatt18]

#### Drunk Drivers

Should be zero tolerance and mandatory jail time.

No excuse or reason to ever drive drunk in 2024. Too many options and alternatives

[Gemnoble]

Flames play in Columbus November 29th, Puck Drop at 1:00 MST.

Columbus comes to Calgary Dec 3rd, puck drop 7pm MST.

Must be something in the works already.

[Aarongavey]

That is brutal, feel terrible for his wife and kid.

[Fourteen FTW]

I am absolutely gutted by this news. So sad for his kid, his wife, his family. Sad for so many fans, his friends, and Moneyhands. Will be donning some Flames gear today. 13 to the rafters.

[kipperiggy]

Holy crap there really are no words. RIP Johnny and Matt. Condolences to his wife, children, parents, sister, and family.

[indes]

My daughter's first jersey. Just gutted for the family.

[Jetfire]

George Rusic is doing an amazing job on this tragic day. Respect.

[BigBrodieFan]

Hey guys, I just heard. This is devastating. Love to the Gaudreau family, losing two sons to a tragedy like this is simply unimaginable. You were all an intricate part of his entry and success to the NHL with your encouragement and Jonny-hockey fandom. My heart is broken for him and his brother, their families, their teammates, friends, fans, and all of you. You have all meant so much to me and my family over the years, and I am sure Jonny’s family feels the same way. Sending you all comfort and love while you grieve this horrible loss.

[Fuzzy McGillicuddy]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

#### Drunk Drivers

Should be zero tolerance and mandatory jail time.

No excuse or reason to ever drive drunk in 2024. Too many options and alternatives

In NJ, death by auto carries a mandatory prison term of 3-10 years. In this case the sentence could be doubled because there are two victims.