Weren’t we just here? Sure feels like it, doesn’t it?
It was just three summers ago that the Columbus Blue Jackets’ organization endured one of the worst tragedies anyone can go through when goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks passed away due to a fireworks accident. The pain from that situation still lingers.
And now this? This can’t be real, right?
On Friday morning, the Blue Jackets confirmed the worst possible outcome in the midst of several rumors. Star-winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed by a suspected drunk driver in New Jersey while riding their bikes on the night before their sister’s wedding.
What do you even say here? What started as a routine Thursday by most every standard ended with two precious lives gone in an instant. How can anyone wrap their head around this?
Trying to come up with the words to say is next to impossible for a situation like this. Johnny and Matthew absolutely deserve to be honored for not only what they did on the ice, but what they did off it. The way they lived their lives will have a lasting impact on everyone who knew them best. That is worth celebrating.
How We Got Here
Johnny and Matthew were set to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding on Friday. On Thursday night, the Gaudreau’s were riding bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Then according to New Jersey State Police, a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Sean Higgins hit Johnny and Matthew while attempting to pass other vehicles.
According to news releases and a probable-cause affidavit, Higgins consumed “5-6 beers” before the accident. He allegedly told police that consuming alcohol led to his impatience in the moment.
Higgins is being held without bond in the Salem County Correctional Facility. He didn’t enter a plea during his first court hearing on Friday. A detention motion hearing is set for Sept 5. He is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of driving under the influence.
Matthew’s Impact on Johnny
Johnny and Matthew had a special connection. Johnny wanted to spend time with his brother as much as possible. He showed that in one of the greatest ways possible while making a major career decision.
With Matthew at Boston College, Johnny elected to come back for his junior season. Why? So they can be teammates. It might sound cliche when you hear the team “Family Matters.” For the Gaudreau’s, that’s no cliche. That was and is their way…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…