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

[EDMONTONisNG]

Took a break from hockey for the summer but woke up to this....just speechless.

$#%# drunk drivers. Heartbreaking. That game 7 winner definitely will be a goal I remember forever now.

[Locke]

I never met Johnny, and certainly not Matt, but I ran into Guy once.

He was just someone who, despite you being a complete stranger, gladly had time for you. Chat a bit and then you let him go on his way. Nicest guy (no pun intended) that you could meet.

I cant imagine what he's going through today, but he should know, he and his wife and all of their family...Calgary's got their backs!

And we never quit!

[GioforPM]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1829530406619873325

[Badmotorfinger]

Such a tragedy. I'm teary-eyed and incredibly shocked, sad and angry. It doesn't even feel real.

Johnny was one of the most dynamic and exciting Flames of all time, and he clearly loved the game so much. In his first season, I was super hopeful, but a bit skeptical, because I thought he'd get drilled/injured often due to his size. Then, you immediately saw his elite skill and shiftiness...every time he was on the ice you believed something special could happen. A real privilege to watch him perform during his Flames career...so many amazing moments.

Hockey aside, he was an even better person off the ice by all accounts. Cannot imagine how his family and close friends are processing the sudden loss of both Johnny and Matthew. Wishing strength and comfort to all those involved.

[Ashasx]

Probably a small gesture, but I will be setting my gemstones to red and yellow tonight.

[getbak]

Some non-social media quotes in here, including from Darryl and Gio: https://calgaryherald.com/sports/com...dreau-brothers

[EldrickOnIce]

This is what the accused had to say when he appeared before the judge, who remanded him until next week

“So…I’m here until Thursday?” Higgins asked the judge at one point during the proceedings.

#### this guy

https://nypost.com/2024/08/30/sports...k-behind-bars/

[Locke]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

This is what the accused had to say when he appeared before the judge, who remanded him until next week



#### this guy

https://nypost.com/2024/08/30/sports...k-behind-bars/

Just more time to get roughed up behind bars. Seems a little convenient.

[butterfly]

Originally Posted by getbak

Some non-social media quotes in here, including from Darryl and Gio: https://calgaryherald.com/sports/com...dreau-brothers

Wow, I didn't know Matthew played a few games for the Stockton Heat.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

This is what the accused had to say when he appeared before the judge, who remanded him until next week



#### this guy

https://nypost.com/2024/08/30/sports...k-behind-bars/

Jeebus, sorry for the inconvenience, scumbag.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Locke

Just more time to get roughed up behind bars. Seems a little convenient.

Good

[Locke]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Good

Yeah. Whats that? I'm looking over that way, I didn't see anything.

[jayswin]

nm not the time for any of this.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by jayswin

He didn't mean any ill will, he was just letting people know why they're not seeing it described the way they want.

Which wasn’t event true considering how many media outlets reported it correctly.

Ignorance isn’t always ill-intended.

[BigFlameDog]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

This really ####ed me up last night and this morning.


My younger son ADORES Johnny. He got a puck from him over the glass one game and it is wrapped with tape in his room with the date, just like the players do with their goal milestone pucks.


He gave my son move of a love for the game and he was crushed when he signed somewhere else. When I told him the news this morning, I didn't want him to be surprised as school, he looked at me for a second and burst into tears. We had a good cry together and hugged it out.



My heart breaks for the family on how something that was supposed to be such and exciting event will forever be changed.


RIP Johnny and Matt and my deepest condolences to all impacted. This ####ing sucks.

Yeah...I get it. This one is kicking the crap out of me a bit. Met the guy for 2 minutes 8 or so years ago down outside the locker room. He gave my daughters his undivided attention for those two minutes as they tried to find words to speak to him lol. He led them with questions and was very interested in their hockey "careers". So sad.

[InternationalVillager]

Edit**

[OldDutch]

Wanted to relay my thoughts on grief from someone who has had more than their fair share.

Your grief is your own, how you process this is your right and there shouldn’t be any shame around it being someone your not personal with.

Grief is powerful emotion and I would encourage (like others said prior) to use support channels like family and friends to talk through it. Try and understand it, as much as you can’t right now.

Last and most important. Let this be a positive reminder of the personal people in your life still here. Life is gone in an instant way too often. Its cliche but hug those close. They maybe gone tomorrow, and in sadness be greatful your loved ones (including pets!) are there to comfort. It is a wealth not afforded to everyone.

[All In Good Time]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

This is what the accused had to say when he appeared before the judge, who remanded him until next week



#### this guy

https://nypost.com/2024/08/30/sports...k-behind-bars/

Piece of garbage
He should wait there for four decades not four days

[Beninho]

Have not cried for an athlete or celebrity before until today. Watching Johnny 3-4 days a week for 8 months out of the year for almost a decade made it feel like he was a friend. Seeing him grow up and getting to know his family even if just on tv has made his and his brothers passing so difficult to wrap my head around. Part of the reason why it was so hard to see him leave for the Jackets was because of how intertwined he and his family were with this city, but in hindsight him moving to be close to his loved ones was the right decision. Life is too short. I am going to go give my loved ones a hug today.

May their memory be a blessing.

[butterfly]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

This is what the accused had to say when he appeared before the judge, who remanded him until next week



#### this guy

https://nypost.com/2024/08/30/sports...k-behind-bars/

They just updated the article.

When the judge explained that the usual 72-hour holding period was extended due to the holiday weekend, Higgins sat back in his chair and let out a heavy sigh.

Higgins, who is facing two counts of second degree vehicle manslaughter, was expressionless as the judge recounted how he killed the two brothers.

The Woodstown resident appeared virtually from jail, wearing a dark-green jacket with velcro shoulders and bare arms. He had a bandage on his wrist.

There was no family in the courtroom to support Higgins, who was represented by a public defender, Cody Dooley.

“Don’t talk to anyone at the jail about your case,” Dooley warned.

“I wouldn’t talk about the case with anyone who isn’t your attorney.”

Higgins plans to hire his own private attorney going forward, he told the judge.

“When I do hire an attorney… I have very limited contact with anyone now, I don’t have a phone, I can’t really reach anybody… how do I get that process started?” he asked.

The judge told Higgins to ask someone in the jail for help, or to ask family and friends who might be willing to assist.