American hockey star Johnny Gaudreau, also known as Johnny Hockey, is trending all over social media over alleged news of his death in a car accident. Reports are going viral all over X (formerly Twitter) claiming that the Columbus Blue Jackets star was killed in an accident alongside his brother Matthew after they were hit by a car while riding their bicycles near their family home in New Jersey.
This has thrown social media into a panic as netizens race to find out the truth. As it stands, the news remains a rumor on social media as no official source has come out to confirm it. Although in that same vein, no official source has come out to deny it either, including Gaudreau himself or his family.
The Rumor's Origins and Spread
The news of Johnny Gaudreau’s alleged death started spreading after a news report from 6abc that two bicyclists had been killed by a driver in a suspected drunk-driving accident. The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. Thursday night on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township in Salem County, New Jersey. While currently playing for the Blue Jackets in Ohio, Gaudreau is a Salem NJ native.
Journalist and CEO of Sports Thinkers, Steve Franklin, whose X bio claims he ‘says what the common man is afraid to say’, reported that the news had been confirmed to him by a brother who is a cop. “My brother (police officer in Salem County, NJ) has confirmed with me that NHL Player Johnny Gaudreau has passed away in a car accident. Rest in peace, Johnny Gaudreau. Columbus Blue Jackets legend,” he wrote.
The Social Media Firestorm
Irrespective of the sketchy nature of the initial info, the news sparked off intense discussions on X and other social media platforms as people raced to find out the truth. Despite reporting from no official sources, numerous people in the hockey community are confirming the news, starting with former NHL referee Tim Peel, who wrote on X after someone asked him to take down his post on the reported death: “Morgan unfortunately this is true. Jonny and his brother were killed by a drunk driver tonight,”
After further probing, Peel said he wouldn’t give away his sources but knows for a fact that some Calgary Flames reporters (Johnny’s former team) confirmed the news to him. A sheet of paper also from an alleged police investigator’s notebook is making its way across social media, appearing to show the names of Johnny and his brother Matthew and their address in the report but that, as with everything else, is unverified at this time.
Meanwhile, a reporter revealed that after speaking with the New Jersey State Police, they said that they were being bombarded with numerous calls about the incident but they cannot confirm or deny the rumor at this time. Another X account alleging to be a Blue Flames employee also claims the news has been confirmed to the organization but that like everything else remains a rumor until otherwise stated.
Awaiting Confirmation
Essentially, we all have to remain in purgatory until authorities confirm or deny this news. Nevertheless, the delay in any reaction is leaving fans completely in limbo. “Hoping this is a mistake…” one distraught fan wrote. Another said: “Pray it’s not true, if it is such a tragic loss,”
Other fans are promising fire and brimstone for the X accounts spreading the info if it turns out to be false.
Johnny Gaudreau: A Hockey Star
Johnny Gaudreau nicknamed Johnny Hockey is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). Gaudreau was born John Michael Gaudreau on August 13th, 1993 in Salem, New Jersey. He grew up in Carneys Point Township and played pee-wee hockey and little league baseball.
He got his start playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League in the 2010–11 season. He made the 2011 USHL All-Star Game and was named to the USHL All-Rookie Team and to the All-USHL Second Team. He was also rookie of the year.
His play was rewarded as the Calgary Flames selected him with the 104th pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He played for the NCAA Division I’s Boston College Eagles from 2011 to 2014, winning the 2014 winner Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the NCAA. During his rookie NHL season, was named to the 2014 NHL All-Rookie team and during his first full season, he made the 2015 NHL All-Star Game.
After several years in Calgary, Gaudreau declined to re-sign to the team as he wanted to return home and joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent in July 2022, signing a seven-year, $68.25 million contract, less money than he would have made by staying with the Flames.
Truth or Hype?
Until official confirmation comes from Gaudreau himself, his family, or a credible source, this news remains a rumor. As with any unverified information, it’s essential to treat this information with caution. We are hopeful for the safety of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, and we will continue to provide updates as they become available.
