Johnny Gaudreau . © Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
(Oldsman Township, NJ) – Police in South Jersey say hockey star Johnny Gadreau and his brother Matthew are dead after being struck by a drunk driver. The Columbus Blue Jackets forward was riding bikes with his brother on Thursday night when the incident occurred. Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Cops arrested Sean Higgins charging him with death by auto. Authorities say he appeared to be drunk and smelled of alcohol. Higgins admitted to having five or six beers before getting behind the wheel and even says he was physically drinking while driving. Higgins reportedly told investigators that his drinking led to his reckless driving.
The two victims were set to be groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding today in Philadelphia. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league was shocked and saddened by the tragic passing. The Blue Jackets said in a statement that the accident was unimaginable.
