Athletes Pay Tribute to Late NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau

The death of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew has rocked the sports world. The Columbus Blue Jackets player and his brother died in a tragic accident on Aug. 29 after a suspected drunk driver hit them while they were biking just hours before their sister's wedding. 

Tributes have been pouring in for the two brothers following their untimely deaths. The Columbus Blue Jackets, whom Gaudreau joined in 2022, shared a statement mourning their teammate's passing. 

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy," the organization said. "Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew."

"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice," the team continued. "He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him."

"Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms," the statement concluded. "We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy."

Other athletes similarly shared their condolences on social media. Former NHL player Ryan Whitney mourned the loss of such a bright light. "This kid had such an infectious personality. Kind and so humble. Now to read some of the stories being shared about his brother Matthew and the type of person he was makes this just soul crushing," he said. 

I’m truly sick to my stomach. Life is so unfair and this hits on so many different levels. I’m completely heartbroken for the entire Gaudreau family.

— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) August 30, 2024

Fellow NHL star T.J. Oshie similarly lamented the loss of the two brothers. "Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family. So incredibly sad," the Washington Capitals player said. 

Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family. So incredibly sad.

— TJ Oshie (@TJOshie77) August 30, 2024

Evander Kane, a forward for the Edmonton Oilers, shared his sadness about the situation on X.

"Absolute shock and sadness to hear about the passing of Johnny and his brother Matthew. Our hearts go out to Johnny's wife, two young children and the rest of his entire family during this unimaginable time," he said  

"So unfortunate and another reminder on how precious life is," he added. May God watch over his children and his family."

Absolute shock and sadness to hear about the passing of Johnny and his brother Matthew. Our hearts goes out to Johnny‘s wife, two young children and the rest of his entire family during this unimaginable time. So unfortunate and another reminder on how precious life is. May God… pic.twitter.com/4k8s8494gp

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane) August 30, 2024

Outside the hockey world, the Gaudreau family also received well wishes from NBA champ LeBron James and MLB All-Star Mike Trout. 

"Insane, man!" James wrote on X. "I instantly got so down and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide [and] guard and bless their families from the heavens above."

Insane man! ????????‍♂️ . I instantly got so down????and sad???? after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their family/s from the heavens above. ????????????????????????????????

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2024

Trout was similarly heartbroken.  "Devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Sending my deepest condolences and love to their family."

Devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Sending my deepest condolences and love to their family.

— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) August 30, 2024