Horrible information out of New Jersey at this time: two extra cyclists have been killed by an impatient, presumably drunk, motorist. These cyclists embrace Johnny Gaudreau who performed within the NHL for the Columbus Bluejackets, and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. Making the tragedy much more painful is the truth that the brothers have been in New Jersey for his or her Sister’s marriage ceremony the next day.
In response to the stories, 43 year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey was touring North when he tried to cross a slower-moving sedan and SUV by pulling into the Southbound lane. Higgins handed the sedan, however then the SUV moved out into the Southbound lane as nicely to provide the cyclists room whereas passing. That’s when Higgins, who police suspect was inebriated on the time, determined to attempt to cross the SUV on the suitable, plowing instantly into the brothers using from behind.
Not solely is that this not an accident as recommended by many headlines this morning (together with the Columbus Dispatch which has now modified its headline), however it appears the Gaudreau brothers’ deaths have been the results of alcohol-fueled street rage, if not worse. In response to the police affidavit, as reported by 6 ABC out of Philadelphia, Higgins admitted to having “5 to 6” beers earlier than the crash and instructed investigators he thought the SUV was attempting to cease him from passing. Higgins additionally failed a subject sobriety check.
Higgins has been charged with two counts of demise by auto and is at present being held at Salem County Correctional Facility, but when it’s like some other bike owner’s demise by auto, he’ll in all probability get off with a slap on the wrist.
Our ideas exit to the Gaudreau household, and all these earlier than Johnny and Matthew whose lives have been minimize brief by inattentive, impatient, or outright impaired motorists.
From the NHL:
NEW YORK (August 30, 2024) – Nationwide Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman launched the next assertion on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau:
“The Nationwide Hockey League household is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets ahead Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Whereas Johnny’s infectious spirit for the sport and show-stopping expertise on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was greater than only a dazzling hockey participant; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to each individual lucky sufficient to have crossed his path.
“Gaudreau typically instructed the story of how his father taught him to skate as a toddler in his house state of New Jersey and he carried that very same youthful ardour all through his 11 NHL seasons. A talented playmaker, Gaudreau participated within the NHL All-Star Recreation seven instances the place he was at all times a fan favourite, notably whereas showcasing his skills within the numerous expertise competitions for which he was so nicely suited.
“He will probably be remembered fondly in Calgary, the place he performed his first 9 seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22, rising as one in every of our League’s brightest younger stars whereas compiling the franchise’s fifth-highest profession factors complete. His loss additionally will probably be felt profoundly in Columbus, the town through which he selected to settle his household and the place he was one of many revered, veteran leaders of a membership constructing towards the playoffs. And each Johnny and Matthew will probably be mourned at Boston Faculty, the place they have been teammates the 12 months Johnny gained the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic Excessive College in New Jersey, the place each performed and the place Matthew was the top hockey coach following his personal five-year professional enjoying profession.
“We ship our most heart-felt condolences to his spouse Meredith; their kids, Noa and Johnny; his dad and mom, Man and Jane; and sisters Kristen and Katie. And we grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many mates in hockey and numerous followers world wide for whom he created indelible reminiscences on and off the ice.”
