Johnny Gaudreau's family releases statement on death of Columbus Blue Jackets star

The Gaudreau family released a statement following the tragic deaths of Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on Thursday evening.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two amazing people,” Jim Gaudreau, Johnny and Matthew's uncle, said in a statement.

“We want everyone to know that we receive your messages of love and support and that we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult time of grief.”

The statement is signed by the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce families.

Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, and two young children, a daughter, Noa, and a son, Johnny, both born in Columbus. Matthew Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Madeline. Both brothers are survived by their parents, Jane and Gus Gaudreau, and their sisters, Kristen and Katie.

On July 13, 2022, Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets as an unrestricted free agent. He reportedly chose the Blue Jackets after receiving an eight-year, $10.5 million per season contract to stay with the Flames.

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This article originally appeared in the Columbus Dispatch: Johnny Gaudreau's family issues statement on Blue Jackets star's death