NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, And His Brother Matthew, 29, Killed In New Jersey Bike Accident | N18G

Columbus Blue Jackets hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew have died.

On Thursday, Aug. 29, the NHL star, 31, and Matthew, 29, died in a biking accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, close to their hometown of Salem County, PEOPLE has confirmed. They were reportedly in their hometown to serve as groomsmen in their sister's wedding on Friday, according to a wedding website.

Johnny and Matthew were biking on Country Route 551 North just after 8 p.m. when a driver suspected to be under the influence of alcohol attempted to pass another car and fatally hit the brothers, New Jersey State Police tell PEOPLE. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was charged with two counts of death by auto and arrested, and the investigation is ongoing, police said.

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[markroman]

What an unspeakable tragedy. A family getting ready for a joyous celebration is now left shattered, dazed, confused and in immeasurable pain. In situations such as this...I say to myself "Why God...what did this family do to have to suffer such pain and anguish. May their young souls rest in eternal peace. Please pray for this family.

[JohnDoe-rsgh]

Sean Higgins is a 3-time combat veteran and US Army Officer who served with the 82nd Airborne Divison in Iraq and Afghanistan and suffers for Alcoholism and PTSD. This tragedy could have been avoided. We Americans have an obligation to get Combat Veterans the help they need!

[margchris]

Very very sad indeed. Praying for comfort, healing and peace for the family ❤🙏

[coreygriffin]

I gave up riding bikes anywhere near traffic years ago. If its not alcohol, it's distracted drivers and their phones. Shame. The roads are death traps these days.

[Majori]

So sad, my deepest sympathy to family, friends and hockey players😢😢

[cynthiaholloway]

Tragic. Prayers, love and the peace of God for family, friends and fans.

[jaswindersihota]

So heartbreaking news both brothers oh no so young rest in peace 😭😭

[TeaTimeThrillers]

That sister must be dealing with unimaginable pain. Imagine the “happiest” day of your life ending with the loss of your two siblings.

[nytfhs]

All because one thing chose the drink and drive. That poor family God Bless you 🙏 ❤️

[YH-suos]

Oh my God. So sad. God bless their souls

[FloLife]

Very sad 😔 praying for loved ones and friends.

[victrola]

Incomprehensible tragedy on endless levels. My heart breaks for the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones. Completely preventable. I don't like press focusing on one brother.

[johnnyDs]

I’m sorry if I missed answer to the question I’m asking, but were they hit by the car in daylight or after sunset? This drunk driver really needs to understand what he just did! He’s complaining about being held until Thursday??? Buddy, you will be lucky if yiu see the light of day ever again!

[pookiemoon]

may God bring pace to their family in this tragedy. I can't imagine. :( 😢 this is awful.

[christiannaaguilar]

How terrible
Heartbreaking
PRAYERS for all family and friends
Oh LORD JESUS bring comfort the only way you know how ❤

[AlexZander]

...Between distracted driving(smartphones), alcohol, skunkweed and other drugs, I don't even attempt riding a bike on traffic roads anymore. Gave that up over 14 years ago.
...Only ride bike paths where there are no automobiles. Just way too many careless distracted drivers, incompetent and impatient drivers. Not worth the risk!
...Anytime I am driving and I see a cyclist on the road, I think they are playing Russian roulette.

[marietorp]

The tragedy it happens at night? By the video it’s dark and is raining!!! So the drunk driver he probably
Not see them if he was drunk!! Do we know if Johnny and the brothers have light?

[GHelton]

Im sorry, but riding bikes at night, on the side of a two lane road is kinda asking for trouble. Rip