Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau dies at 31

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, died in an "unimaginable tragedy," the team confirmed Friday.

Johnny and Matthew were killed after being hit by a car Thursday evening while riding bicycles, New Jersey State Police confirmed to the Associated Press. Police said a car hit the brothers from behind when the driver attempted to pass two other vehicles.

Police added that the driver was suspected of being under the influence and charged with two counts of death by auto.

"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," the Blue Jackets said in a statement.

"Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. 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 turned 31 earlier in August. He played 11 NHL seasons and joined the Blue Jackets as a free agent prior to the 2022-23 season following a prolific stint with the Flames. The New Jersey native notched 743 points in 764 career games and earned a first-team All-Star nod in 2022 and the 2017 Lady Byng Trophy as the league's most gentlemanly player.

Matthew was 29. He played four seasons at Boston College - Johnny's alma mater - followed by stints in the AHL and ECHL.

"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons- and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two amazing humans," Johnny and Matthew's uncle, Jim, wrote in a statement.

"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support, and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief."

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement that he's "shocked and saddened" by the Gaudreau brothers' deaths and highlighted Johnny's attributes on and off the ice.

"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," Bettman said. "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."