The sports world was united in grief on Friday as teams across the United States held moments of silence to honor the tragic passing of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. The brothers, beloved by many, were fatally struck by a suspected drunken driver in New Jersey late Thursday night, just hours before they were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding in Philadelphia.

A Tragic Loss Reverberates Across the Sports Community

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were killed while riding their bikes on a New Jersey roadway. The incident has sent shockwaves through the sports community, with tributes pouring in from across the country. Their uncle, Jim Gaudreau, encapsulated the immense loss in a poignant family statement, expressing the pain of losing “two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers… two amazing humans.”

The Columbus Blue Jackets, where Johnny Gaudreau had been playing since 2022, expressed their devastation, calling the deaths an “unimaginable tragedy” in a social media post. Johnny, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” was a star on the ice and known for his kindness off it. His death has left a significant void in the hockey community and beyond.

Moments of Silence Across Sports

In Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies held an emotional moment of silence before their game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The team displayed a touching tribute on the video board, showcasing a photo of the Gaudreau brothers during their time at Boston College. Phillies players lined up along the first base foul line, visibly moved during the tribute.

Other MLB teams, including the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Angels, and Cincinnati Reds, also paused their games to honor the Gaudreau brothers. The Cincinnati Reds issued a heartfelt statement, extending their deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family, the NHL, and the entire Columbus Blue Jackets organization.

Fans in Columbus, Ohio, where Johnny Gaudreau played for the Blue Jackets, created a makeshift memorial outside the team’s Nationwide Arena. Flowers, hockey sticks, and other memorabilia were left in remembrance of the brothers, reflecting the deep connection between the community and the Gaudreau family.

Tributes Continue into the Weekend

The tributes for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will extend into Saturday. Ohio State’s football team has announced plans to hold a moment of silence before their season opener against Akron. In a gesture symbolizing Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy, Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew Nordecke supporter section will honor him during the 13th minute of their match against New York City FC, representing Gaudreau’s jersey number.

The Tragic Accident and Its Aftermath

The brothers’ lives were tragically cut short around 8:19 p.m. Thursday in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. According to the New Jersey State Police, the brothers were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 43-year-old Sean Higgins, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Higgins has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide in the second degree and is currently being held without bond.

Higgins admitted to consuming five to six beers before the accident, a confession that highlights the reckless behavior that led to this heartbreaking tragedy. He is facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 5.

Remembering Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Johnny Gaudreau’s impact on the sport of hockey and the lives of those around him was profound. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, he quickly became a fan favorite, known for his infectious enthusiasm and skill on the ice. Over his 11-year career, Gaudreau amassed 243 career goals and 743 points, earning seven All-Star appearances.

The Blue Jackets paid tribute to Johnny, remembering him not just as a phenomenal hockey player, but as a loving husband, father, and friend. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also expressed his sorrow, noting that Johnny’s spirit and skill earned him the nickname “Johnny Hockey,” but it was his warmth and generosity that truly endeared him to everyone he met.

Matthew Gaudreau, though less known in the professional sports world, was equally beloved. After his own hockey career, he returned to Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey to serve as the ice hockey coach, a position he held until this summer. Both brothers were remembered fondly by their former coaches at Boston College, who spoke of their joy, camaraderie, and the close bond they shared.

A Community United in Grief

The tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have left a lasting impact on their family, friends, and the broader sports community. As memorials and tributes continue, their legacy as both athletes and cherished individuals will be remembered. Their loss serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior