Fans gather at Nationwide Arena and Saddledome for vigils for Johnny Gaudreau

The tragic news was confirmed by New Jersey police sources on Friday. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew, both tragically died in Salem County, N.J., outside of Philadelphia. They were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Salem County, New Jersey, police said. Both brothers died from their injuries.

As soon as the heartbreaking announcement was made by the Blue Jackets , fans gathered outside Nationwide Arena in an impromptu vigil and placed flowers, sticks and other items to pay tribute to their star player under a banner that reads “In loving memory of Johnny Gaudreau”.

Some fans stuck around in sharing prayers, with a few caught on video holding hands and comforting one another.

In Calgary, where Gaudreau spent most of his NHL career, a few people also brought flowers, but one of the most moving offering was a bag of Skittles, the brand of candies his father used to give him after practice on the ice, as well as a bottle of purple Gatorade, a reference to one of Gaudreau’s celebrations.

Inside the Saddledome, a tribute of the talented forward has been playing on the Jumbotron.

Gaudreau was a point-a-game player with 642 points in 644 regular-season and playoff games since breaking into the league.

He holds the men’s world championship records by a U.S. player with 30 assists and 43 points, earlier this year breaking marks previously held by Patrick Kane.

His uncle, Jim Gaudreau, released a statement from the family later on Friday.

“Last night, we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two amazing humans.

“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief.”

It is signed From all of our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce families).

Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, his two young children, Noa and Johnny, as well has his parents, Guy and Jane, and sisters Kristen and Katie. And he will be dearly missed by fans as well in Columbus and across the NHL.