Outpouring of love for Johnny Gaudreau after his tragic passing that will bring tears to your eyes
And frustration as well for the drunk driver who killed him and his brother:
The hockey world mourns the loss of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew, a former professional player, who both tragically died earlier on Friday. The Gaudreaus 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.
Social media has been flooded with an outpouring of love and support for the Gaudreau family, loved ones and fans of both men. Teams across the NHL have sent their condolences and love to the Gaudreaus, with players and stars from diverse backgrounds sharing their condolences for the brothers, including NBA's LeBron James.
NHL teams, players and teammates along with the NHL Players’ Association have published posts on the tragedy. Insiders, reporters and executives from the league have also been affected and wrote moving tributes to Johnny and Matthew.
After the NHL reacted to the tragic news, teams made sure to also send their love and support to the Gaudreau family.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in the statement. “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.”
Former and current teammates have also been sharing an outpouring of tributes and condolences on social media, including Patrik Laine, Rasmus Andersson, Matthew Tkachuk and Blake Coleman. Other players across the league, like T.J. Oshie, Trevor Zegras, Brady Tkachuk, Cole Caufield, teammate Adam Fantilli and former players like P.K. Subban have also taken to social media in their grief.
And so so many more as the day unfolds.
There is also an heartfelt statement from Flames' legend Lanny MacDonald:
Fans in Columbus have started a Memorial at the entrance of Nationwide Arena.
"Flowers, hats and a hockey stick laid so far. Would expect much more as fans will come pay their respects to Johnny Hockey."
There is also a lot of frustration pointed at the man who's been charged with two counts of death by auto Friday after he struck and killed Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.
The Gaudreaus were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Salem County, New Jersey, police said. They were riding their bikes north on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township on Thursday at 8:19 p.m. At the same time, Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee north on County Route 551, according to investigators.
According to the police report, Higgins tried to pass two vehicles ahead of him and entered the southbound lanes, police said. An SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes in order to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers as they rode their bikes on the right side of the road, according to investigators.
Higgins then tried to pass the SUV and struck the Gaudreau brothers, police added. Both brothers died from their injuries. He is currently lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.
Let's hold the Gaudreau family and friends tight in our hearts.
