The families asked for continued respect and privacy during this difficult period of grief, finding solace in supporting one another and holding onto their shared memories. As previously reported, details of the tragic news of Johnny and Matty’s death were shared online. The brothers were tragically killed after being struck by a passing car in Oldmans Township around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, August 29, 2024. According to authorities, the brothers were riding bikes on a rural road in New Jersey when the accident occurred. Johnny’s hockey team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, posted a statement on X expressing their devastation and shock at the news. The team’s statement highlighted Johnny’s incredible talent as a player and the profound impact he had on the organization and the sport. They emphasized that Johnny’s legacy extended beyond the ice, as he was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
The Columbus Blue Jackets mentioned how much Johnny would be missed by the team and their community, ending their message by asking the public to pray for the Gaudreau family as they deal with this unimaginable loss. The team also requested that the family’s privacy be respected during this time. Similarly, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman shared a message about the tragedy, spotlighting Johnny’s incredible legacy as one of the League’s brightest young stars during his impressive 11 seasons in the NHL. Bettman extended heartfelt condolences to Johnny’s wife Meredith, their children Noa and Johnny, his parents Guy and Jane, and his sisters Kristen and Katie.
