On Monday, hundreds will come together to honor NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew at their funeral.
The service, set for noon at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania, will also be streamed live on the Columbus Blue Jackets’ website.
Tragically, the brothers lost their lives when a suspected drunk driver struck them while they were riding bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 29.
Johnny, 31, was a forward with the Columbus Blue Jackets and began his NHL career in 2011 with the Calgary Flames, earning the nickname “Johnny Hockey.”
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Matthew, 29, shared the ice with his brother at Boston College and coached hockey at Gloucester Catholic High School.
The Gaudreau brothers grew up in Carneys Point, New Jersey, and were in town for their sister’s wedding.
Instagram/kgaudreau13
Johnny leaves behind his wife Meredith and their two young children, Noa and Johnny. Matthew was married to Madeline and they were expecting a child. A GoFundMe set up for them has raised over $645,000.
GoFundMe
About the Driver
The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, faces multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide, after allegedly striking the brothers while attempting to pass two vehicles. He is accused of being under the influence and failed a sobriety test. Currently, Higgins is being held without bail and is scheduled for a court hearing on Friday.
Outpouring of Support
Tributes have flowed in from family, NHL teams, and public figures. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his heartbreak, stating that the Gaudreau brothers were proud representatives of New Jersey who found their love for hockey in local rinks.
Former Governor Chris Christie remembered Johnny as a New Jersey legend, sharing how his legacy even reached Canada. The Columbus Blue Jackets reflected on Johnny not just as an athlete but as a devoted family man, emphasizing the joy he brought to the game and to those around him.