The devastating news broke Friday morning: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed when they were struck by a vehicle while cycling Thursday evening in New Jersey.

The two brothers were riding together in Oldmans, near their hometown of Salem, at the time of the accident, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

The driver of the vehicle, Sean M. Higgins, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, a local NBC affiliate reported. He allegedly attempted to pass a car that had moved to the middle of the road to safely overtake the two cyclists. He struck the Gaudreau brothers, whose injuries were fatal.

According to the Associated Press, Higgins was arrested and faces two counts of vehicular homicide as well as reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. He is being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing, scheduled for September 5.

Higgins allegedly told police he had consumed five or six beers before getting behind the wheel, and also consumed alcohol while driving, according to the Associated Press, which obtained the criminal complaint. At the scene of the accident, the 43-year-old man failed a sobriety test.

Johnny, father of two young children, and Matthew Gaudreau were to be groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding on Friday.

"We want everyone to know that we are receiving your messages of love and support and appreciate your thoughts and prayers," a family member, Jim Gaudreau, said in a statement. "We ask that you continue to show respect and privacy during this very difficult time of mourning."

This is the second time in three years that the Blue Jackets have had to mourn the loss of one of their players. In July 2021, goalie Matiss Kivlenieks tragically died in a pyrotechnics accident.

"Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend," the organization commented.

Gaudreau's impact, who joined the Jackets in 2022, was "profound," it is written, "but it is nothing compared to the indelible mark he left on everyone who knew him."

Johnny adopted our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. He will be sorely missed, and we will do everything we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.

Gaudreau's Legacy on and Off the Ice

Gaudreau's journey to the NHL was marked by his unwavering passion for the game and his exceptional talent. He rose through the ranks of youth hockey, showcasing his agility and scoring prowess, despite facing doubts about his size. His determination to prove doubters wrong fueled his rise to become one of the most exciting players in the NHL.

Before joining the Blue Jackets, Gaudreau spent the first nine seasons of his career with the team that drafted him, the Calgary Flames. The No. 13 finished that near-decade-long Canadian adventure fifth in club history.

Ultimately, Gaudreau played 763 games in the National Hockey League, scoring 243 goals and 743 points. In 2017, he won the Lady Byng Trophy, awarded annually to the player considered to have the best sportsmanship while maintaining outstanding performance.

The Impact of a True Star

Gaudreau's talent transcended the ice. He was known for his infectious smile, his humility, and his willingness to give back to the community. His commitment to the sport extended beyond the game, and he often spoke about his passion for hockey, which was instilled in him by his father at a young age.

His loss, says NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, will be "deeply felt in Columbus, the city where he chose to settle his family and where he was one of the respected veterans of a club building towards the playoffs."

"Gaudreau often told stories about how his father taught him to skate as a child in his native New Jersey. He carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 seasons in the NHL," Bettman concludes.

The Loss of a Brother and Friend

The news of Gaudreau's death sent shockwaves through the hockey world, drawing tributes from players, coaches, and fans alike. Many remembered him not only as a star player but also as a kind-hearted individual who touched the lives of everyone he met.

"It is with great sadness that we mourn the tragic loss of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau," the Flames wrote. "Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was, and always will be, a member of the Flames family and loved by everyone in Calgary."

The Canadiens joined the chorus of other teams in the league, offering their condolences to the Gaudreau brothers' families. "Today, as the world of hockey has lost two exceptional ambassadors and two even greater human beings, our thoughts are with you in this heartbreaking and difficult ordeal, as across the NHL, all mourn the sudden departure of Johnny and Matthew."

Forward Patrik Laine, recently acquired by the Canadiens, shared the Blue Jackets' post on his Instagram page. "Rest in peace, brother," wrote the one who played alongside Gaudreau in Columbus.

Laine's new teammate with the Canadiens, Cole Caufield, shared a photo of himself and Gaudreau on the ice in his Instagram story. "[You will] always be my hero," he wrote.

Former Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said he was "deeply saddened" by the news. "RIP Johnny and Matthew, good young men with a beautiful family that seemed so close-knit ... gone too soon. My condolences to the Gaudreau family and strength in their grief."

Like Kekalainen, former Flames GM Brad Treliving was "devastated" by the news. "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 beaming smile and contagious personality were only matched by his love for his family, friends and loved ones. He brought joy to everyone around him and to those who never knew him, but marveled at his excellence on the ice."

"I don't know why I'm writing right now, I'm shaking, but Johnny was one of my favorite teammates I've played with," commented Eddie Lack, a former goalie who played a season in Calgary. "Always happy, he spread positivity around him. Rest in peace my friend, I pray for your wonderful family."

NBA superstar LeBron James, a native of Ohio, also expressed his grief. "It doesn't make sense! I was immediately depressed and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew soar high, guide, protect and bless their families from the heavens."

The Philadelphia Flyers also sent a statement to the media; the Gaudreau brothers were, they said, "deeply rooted in the Philadelphia and New Jersey communities, where they spent their entire childhood on the ice." Matthew even played for the Flyers' ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals, in 2019-2020, before becoming coach of his high school team, Gloucester Catholic High School.

"Throughout their success in the world of hockey, they both continued to give back to our community," the Flyers organization wrote. "Johnny and Matthew, as well as the entire Gaudreau family, have made a significant difference in the lives of so many people in the Philadelphia area to learn and grow in the love of the sport of hockey."

A Legacy of Love and Passion

Johnny Gaudreau's legacy will endure long after his time on the ice has come to an end. He leaves behind a mark not only on the sport of hockey but also on the hearts of countless fans and those who knew him personally. His passion for the game, his dedication to his family and community, and his kind spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.

The world of hockey mourns the loss of a true star, but the memories of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew will live on forever.