NHL star Johnny Gaudreau dies aged 31 in cycling accident alongside brother
The American left wing, who spent 11 seasons in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets, tragically passed away on Thursday, 29 August.
Ice Hockey
Ice hockey player Johnny Gaudreau has passed away aged 31, after he was caught in a cycling accident on Thursday (29 August).
The Columbus Blue Jackets forward lost his life alongside his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, aged 29. They were struck by a vehicle in New Jersey, the day before they were due to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.
His team released a statement on Friday (30 August), saying on X (formerly Twitter), “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. […] Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice.”
Gaudreau played in the NHL for 11 seasons, scoring 243 goals for the Calgary Flames and most recently the Columbus Blue Jackets.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement, “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
The seven-time NHL All-Star also represented Team USA 33 times throughout his career, producing one of his best performances for the national team earlier this year.
Gaudreau scored five points in a 10-1 win against Kazakhstan in May 2024, which brought his IIHF World Championships tally to 43 and become the all-time leading American goalscorer in tournament history.
USA Hockey paid tribute to the brothers in a statement on X, saying, “Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, whose lives ended way too soon. Words cannot appropriately express the sorrow the hockey community is feeling today.”