On a fateful day in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, tragedy struck when NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were fatally struck by a car while riding their bicycles[^0^]. The alleged drunk driver, Sean M. Higgins, who has since been arrested, claimed to have consumed ‘five or six beers’ prior to the incident[^1^].

According to reports from New Jersey State Police, the brothers were cycling along County Route 551 in the early evening when they were hit by Higgins, who was attempting to overtake another vehicle[^1^]. The Gaudreau brothers sadly lost their lives just days before their sister’s wedding, where they were meant to be groomsmen[^1^].

Higgins made an ill-fated decision to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV in the southbound lanes of travel. As he tried to re-enter the northbound lanes, the SUV in front of him moved to the middle of the roadway, resulting in a collision with the cyclists[^3^]. Both brothers sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene[^3^].

Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind his wife Meredith and their two young children, Noa and Johnny[^3^]. Matthew, on the other hand, is survived by his wife Madeline[^3^]. In the wake of this tragedy, the Gaudreau family has requested privacy as they navigate through their grief[^3^].

The loss of these two remarkable individuals is deeply felt by not only their immediate family but by all those who knew them as teammates, friends, and members of the community[^3^]. During this difficult time, it is important for us to come together and provide support and compassion to those who are grieving[^3^].