Johnny Gaudreau Death: Who He Was, How He Died, and His Olympic Legacy
Johnny Gaudreau — known across the hockey world as "Johnny Hockey" — was one of the most electric players of his generation. His tragic death in August 2024 stunned the sport, and his memory became a rallying force for Team USA's gold medal run at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Here is everything you need to know about Johnny Gaudreau, the Gaudreau brothers death, and the ongoing legal case.
Who Was Johnny Gaudreau?
Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," played 10 full seasons in the NHL and was set to start his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after eight seasons with the Calgary Flames. A New Jersey native, he built his reputation at Boston College before being drafted into the NHL, ultimately becoming one of the league's most celebrated forwards and a three-time NHL All-Star. Gaudreau played in 763 NHL games prior to his death.
His brother Matthew Gaudreau also played hockey, competing in the AHL and ECHL before becoming a coach at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey.
How Did Johnny Gaudreau Die? The Gaudreau Brothers Death Explained
On August 29, 2024, Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were riding bikes near their New Jersey hometown when both were struck and killed by a drunk driver in an SUV.
The brothers were in town for their sister's wedding. Johnny Gaudreau was 31 years old; Matthew Gaudreau was 29. The crash occurred on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township the evening before they were to serve as groomsmen.
The Driver Who Killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
Sean Higgins, 44, of nearby Woodstown, New Jersey, is charged with two counts each of reckless vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Police say Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of .087, above the state's .08 legal limit, and he failed a field sobriety test.
Key facts about the Sean Higgins case:
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol level | .087 (above .08 legal limit) |
| Drinks admitted | Five or six beers that day |
| Charges | Aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, leaving scene |
| Maximum prison sentence | 70 years if convicted on all counts |
| Plea deal offered | 35 years — rejected by defense |
| Trial status (as of Feb. 24, 2026 ET) | Not yet tried; awaiting trial |
Four witnesses told police the brothers were riding single file, with the flow of traffic, on the fog line just prior to being struck. Prosecutors accused Higgins of being impaired by alcohol and fueled by road rage when he ran into them. A judge ruled: "There's no credence in the argument there was contributory negligence on the part of the cyclists."
Johnny Gaudreau's Wife Meredith Gaudreau and Children
Johnny Gaudreau's widow, Meredith, had said she was pregnant with the couple's third child during his funeral in September 2024. Meredith Gaudreau gave birth to their third child on April 1, 2025. Matthew Gaudreau's wife also gave birth to a son named Tripp Matthew after the crash.
Team USA Hockey Honors Johnny Gaudreau at the 2026 Olympics
Gaudreau's number 13 jersey hung in Team USA's locker room throughout the tournament. For the gold medal game on February 22, 2026, Gaudreau's widow Meredith, his parents, and his children were all in the stands in Milan.
When the victory was sealed, Team USA's players brought Gaudreau's No. 13 jersey onto the ice, then grabbed his young children so they could celebrate alongside the team in the gold medal photo.
Team USA captain Auston Matthews captured the moment perfectly. "Just felt like the impact that he's had on so many guys in this room is special. He was with us in spirit the whole tournament," Matthews said.
Meredith Gaudreau told NHL.com: "We wished we were a part of it, so when we got the call to come out, it felt like maybe he did make the team." Both brothers' mother, Jane Gaudreau, said it was both of her sons' dreams to someday play in the Olympics. In death, Johnny Gaudreau was on that ice — number 13 in gold.
