The Gaudreau Brothers: A Tragic Loss
In Memoriam: John and Matthew Gaudreau
The sudden and tragic loss of John and Matthew Gaudreau has shaken the hockey community and beyond. The brothers, known for their infectious joy and exceptional talent, were tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident on the eve of their sister’s wedding.
A Memorial Service for the Gaudreaus
The memorial service for the Gaudreau brothers will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania, on Monday, August 15th. The service will be livestreamed on the website of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team for which John Gaudreau played.
Countless members of the hockey community, including the entire Blue Jackets team and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, are expected to attend the service. The church has announced that school will be closed on Monday due to the anticipated crowd.
A Driver’s Arrest and Pending Court Hearing
The driver accused of killing the Gaudreau brothers, Sean M. Higgins, appeared virtually at his first pretrial hearing on Thursday. The judge postponed the hearing to September 13th to allow attorneys more time to prepare. Higgins is being held at a Salem County jail on charges of two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Tributes and Remembrance
In the wake of this tragedy, fans and fellow hockey players have come together to pay tribute to the Gaudreau brothers. Candlelight vigils were held in Columbus, Ohio, and Calgary, Alberta, where John played for the Calgary Flames. Outside the Blue Jackets’ arena in Columbus, a 13-minute, 21-second silent remembrance was held, accompanied by a slideshow of photos depicting the brothers’ lives.
The Hockey Community Mourns
The hockey community has been profoundly affected by the loss of the Gaudreau brothers. USA Hockey Executive Director Pat Kelleher expressed his sympathies at the induction ceremony for the 2024 class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. Kevin Stevens, one of the inductees who had played at Boston College three decades before the Gaudreau brothers, said, “The last week has been awful. It’s just gut-wrenching. It’s unimaginable – something that you never want to have to try to deal with.”
A Foundation for Legacy
In memory of the Gaudreau brothers, the John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation has been established. Contributions can be directed to Sports Professional Management in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
The Gaudreau brothers will be deeply missed by their family, friends, and the hockey community. Their legacy of joy, love, and exceptional talent will continue to inspire those who knew them.
