Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving released a statement Friday, expressing his condolences and devastation in the aftermath of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau’s tragic deaths.
The Gaudreau brothers were killed Thursday evening when they were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee, while riding their bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey. Sean Higgins, 43, was formally charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, improper passing, while also having an open container and consuming alcohol while driving. Higgins allegedly admitted to police that he had ‘five-to-six’ beers prior to the accident, NBC 10 Philadelphia reports.
Police said that Higgins tried to pass two vehicles ahead of him and when a SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle lane to safely pass by the Gaudreau brothers, Higgins tried to pass the SUV and struck the Gaudreau brothers from behind in the right lane. At the time of this filing, Higgins’ arraignment has not been scheduled.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were in town for their sister’s wedding, that was scheduled to take place Friday in Philadelphia.
Treliving has a previous relationship with Johnny Gaudreau, stemming from their shared tenure with the Calgary Flames. Below is his statement:
I am absolutely devastated by the news of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew’s passing. John was a truly special player, dazzling on the ice with his incredible talent, but what made him truly special was the person he was off the ice. His thousand-watt smile and infectious personality were matched only by his love for his family, friends and those close to him. He brought joy to everyone around him and to the many who never knew him but marvelled at his excellence on the ice.
John was a beloved teammate and a friend to so many of us in the hockey community, and he will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. My heart goes out to the entire Gaudreau family — to his mom and dad, Jane and Guy; his sisters Kristen and Katie; his loving wife, Meredith; his precious children, Noa and Johnny; and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.
Family was everything to John, and in his memory, please hug those close to you tighter and longer today and every day.
The Maple Leafs organization also released the following statement on Friday morning:
Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and Matthew Gaudreau was 29.
