LeBron James Reacts to Tragic Deaths 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 presents his ideas and prayers to the Gaudreau household

“Insane man! I immediately obtained so down and unhappy after studying the story. My ideas and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau household! Might Johnny and Matthew fly excessive, information/guard and bless their household/s from the heavens above,” James wrote on X.

Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, have been killed Thursday after they have been struck by a automobile whereas using bicycles, New Jersey State Police stated in a information launch Friday.

Insane man! 🤦🏾‍♂️ . I immediately obtained so down😔and unhappy🥺 after studying the story. My ideas and prayers goes out to the Gaudreau household! Might Johnny and Matthew fly excessive, information/guard and bless their household/s from the heavens above. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 30, 2024

In response to police, a driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit two “pedalcyclists,” recognized because the Gaudreaus, from behind whereas attempting to cross an SUV on the appropriate that had moved over to make method for the 2 cyclists.

Police responded to the scene in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, at 8:19 p.m. Each Gaudreaus, who have been New Jersey natives, suffered deadly accidents, based on the report.

LeBron James tweeted out his response and despatched condolences to the Gaudreau household after one other X person introduced the story to his consideration.

Driver Sean Higgins was drunk, has been charged with two counts of loss of life by auto

The motive force, Sean Higgins, 43, is suspected of being drunk and has been charged with two counts of loss of life by auto. He’s additionally being charged with reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a automobile.

In response to the possible trigger affidavit, Higgins instructed police that he had 5 or 6 beers earlier than the crash. He stated he tried going across the SUV on the appropriate aspect. On the time, he thought the opposite automobile was attempting to dam him from passing.

Higgins instructed police his consuming contributed to “his impatience and reckless driving.” He failed a area sobriety check, based on the affidavit. Police stated the investigation is ongoing.

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

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

Each brothers had been within the space to be groomsmen of their sister Katie’s marriage ceremony. The ceremony was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. The Blue Jackets launched an announcement on social media.

“Johnny performed the sport with nice pleasure which was felt by everybody that noticed him on the ice,” the Blue Jackets wrote. “He introduced a real love for hockey with him in all places he performed from Boston Faculty to the Calgary Flames to Group USA to the Blue Jackets.

“He thrilled followers in a method solely Johnny Hockey might. The impression he had on our group and our sport was profound, however pales compared to the indelible impression he made on everybody who knew him.”

LeBron James can also be a local of Akron, Ohio. The one NHL crew within the Buckeye State is the Blue Jackets. James can also be a minority companion with Fenway Sports Group.

The sports activities holding conglomerate is a part of the possession group of the Pittsburgh Penguins. After all, the Penguins share the Metropolitan Division with the Blue Jackets.

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

Moreover, Johnny Gaudreau performed in 11 NHL seasons (2014 to 2024) for the Flames and Blue Jackets. He joined Columbus on a seven-year contract starting within the 2022-23 season. He was an All-Star in 2023 and recorded 12 objectives and 48 assists in 81 video games final season.

“The Nationwide Hockey League household is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets ahead Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated in an announcement.

“Whereas Johnny’s infectious spirit for the sport and show-stopping expertise on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was greater than only a dazzling hockey participant; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to each particular person lucky sufficient to have crossed his path.”

At 5-foot-9 and 180 kilos, Johnny Gaudreau scored 20-plus objectives six instances throughout his NHL taking part in profession. He nearly averaged some extent per sport, having scored 743 factors in 763 regular-season video games.

Gaudreau had been married to his spouse, Meredith, since 2021. They’ve two kids below 2: Noa, who was born in September 2022, and Johnny, who was born in February.

Matthew Gaudreau additionally performed hockey at Boston Faculty and for a number of groups within the minor leagues.