Hockey participant Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew killed after being struck by suspected drunk driver in Salem County, New Jersey

OLDMANS TWP., New Jersey (WPVI) — NHL hockey participant and New Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, have been recognized as the 2 bicyclists who have been struck and killed by a car on Thursday evening in Salem County, New Jersey.

Police say the driving force who struck the brothers is suspected of being drunk on the time of the crash.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, in addition to New Jersey state troopers, confirmed the passing of the Gaudreau brothers Friday morning.

The crash occurred round 8:30 p.m. on Pennsville Auburn Street close to Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township.

Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, have been touring north on County Route 551, near the road on the facet of the roadway.

Police say 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was touring north on County Route 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee when he allegedly tried to cross a slower-moving sedan and SUV.

Police say Higgins entered the southbound lanes of the roadway and handed the sedan.

When he tried to reenter the northbound lanes, police say the SUV in entrance of him moved into the center of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes with a purpose to safely cross two bicyclists on the appropriate facet of the highway.

Higgins then tried to cross the SUV on the appropriate and struck the Gaudreau brothers from behind, troopers mentioned.

The Gaudreau brothers died from their accidents, based on state police.

In response to the police affidavit, the trooper who arrived on the scene detected a “robust odor of alcohol,” and Higgins allegedly instructed the trooper he had consumed “5 to 6 beers” earlier than the crash.

Higgins allegedly instructed investigators that he thought the driving force of the SUV was attempting to cease him from passing. Higgins instructed investigators that his consumption of alcohol contributed to his impatience and reckless driving, based on the prison grievance.

The trooper additionally mentioned Higgins then failed a subject sobriety take a look at.

Higgins has been charged with two counts of dying by auto, state police mentioned.

He’s being held at Salem County Correctional Facility.

The crash comes the day earlier than Gaudreau’s sister, Katie, is to be married throughout a ceremony in New Jersey on Friday, adopted by a reception in Philadelphia. Each brothers have been listed as groomsmen on her wedding ceremony web site.

Nicknamed “Johnny Hockey” due to his love for the sport, Gaudreau was a star at Gloucester Catholic Excessive Faculty in Gloucester, Camden County earlier than changing into an NHL star.

He is performed 11 skilled seasons, beginning his profession with the Calgary Flames and most not too long ago taking part in for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets posted to social media, saying the staff is “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.”

That is the second Columbus Blue Jackets participant to die in an accident lately. Goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, 24, died at a Detroit-area residence throughout a July 4 celebration in 2021. He suffered chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast, based on officers. Police mentioned the firework tilted barely and began to fireplace towards folks close by. Kivlenieks was in a scorching tub and was attempting to maneuver out of the way in which of the firework when he was struck. His dying was dominated an accident.

It is a growing story and shall be up to date.