LeBron James Copes With The Tragic Death Of NHL's Johnny Gaudreau, His Brother Matthew

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James shared a heartfelt message on X following the tragic deaths of NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau.

LeBron James offers his thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family

“The man is crazy! I immediately got down and sad after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly up, guide/guard and bless their families/families in heaven above,” James wrote to X.

Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were killed Thursday when they were hit by a car while riding their bicycles, New Jersey state police said in a statement released Friday.

Crazy man! 🤦🏾‍♂️ . I was so down😔and sad🥺 after reading the story. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family! May Johnny and Matthew fly high, guide/guard and bless their families/families in heaven above. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2024

According to the police, the driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee hit two “cyclists” identified as Gaudreaus, from behind when he tried to pass an SUV on the right that had moved to make way for the two cyclists.

Police rushed to the scene in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, at 8:19 p.m. Both Gaudreaus, who are from New Jersey, were seriously injured, according to the report.

LeBron James tweeted his reaction and sent his condolences to the Gaudreau family after another X user brought him the story.

Driver Sean Higgins was drunk, charged with two counts of vehicular death

The driver, Sean Higgins, 43, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter. He was also charged with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Higgins told police he had five or six beers before the crash. He said he tried to go around the SUV on the right. At that time, he thought that another car was trying to stop him from passing.

Higgins told police that his drinking contributed to his “impatience and reckless driving.” He failed a field sobriety test, according to the affidavit. Police said the investigation is ongoing.

Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs

– Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 30, 2024

Both brothers were in the area to be ushers at their sister Katie's wedding. The event was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. The Blue Jackets released a statement on social media.

“Johnny played with great joy that was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets wrote. “He brought a true love of hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.

“He entertained the fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The influence he had on our organization and our sport was great, but it was small compared to the indelible impression he had on all who knew him.”

LeBron James is also a native of Akron, Ohio. The only NHL team in the Buckeye State is the Blue Jackets. James is also a minority partner with Fenway Sports Group.

The sports conglomerate is part of the Pittsburgh Penguins ownership group. Of course, the Penguins share the Metropolitan Division with the Blue Jackets.

Johnny Gaudreau played 11 seasons in the NHL for the Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets.

In addition, Johnny Gaudreau played in 11 NHL seasons (2014 to 2024) for the Flames and Blue Jackets. He joined Columbus on a seven-year contract starting in the 2022-23 season. He was an All-Star in 2023 and recorded 12 goals and 48 assists in 81 games last season.

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.

“Although Johnny's infectious spirit and ability to stop plays on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' he was more than just an attractive hockey player; he was a loving father and beloved husband, son, brother and colleague who was loved by everyone who was lucky enough to cross his path.”

At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Johnny Gaudreau scored 20-plus goals six times in his NHL playing career. He nearly averaged a point per game, scoring 743 points in 763 regular season games.

Gaudreau had been married to his wife, Meredith, since 2021. They have two children under the age of 2: Noah, born in September 2022, and Johnny, born in February.

Matthew Gaudreau also played hockey at Boston College and for several teams in the minor leagues.