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Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew killed in NJ crash, police say

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2 bicyclists killed in crash in Salem County, NJ


2 bicyclists killed in crash in Salem County, NJ

00:23

PEDRICKTOWN, N.J. (CBS) — Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed in a crash Thursday night in Salem County, New Jersey, State Police confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia.

Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew were riding bicycles on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, Salem County on Thursday night when they were struck by a man driving a Jeep.

Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, attempted to pass a slower vehicle when he hit the Gaudreau brothers, who riding along the right side of the road.

The Blue Jackets confirmed the Gaudreaus’ deaths in a post on X.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the Blue Jackets said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”

A South Jersey native known as “Johnny Hockey” who grew up a fan of the Philadelphia Flyers, Johnny Gaudreau played for the Little Flyers, a youth hockey organization based in Aston, Pennsylvania, starting at the PeeWee level in 2004 and continuing into the 2008-09 season.

Both brothers played for Boston College and Johnny won the Heisman Trophy of college hockey, the Hobey Baker Award, in 2014. Johnny was a contributor to BC’s NCAA championship win in 2012, as well.

2014 Beanpot Tournament - Championship
Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau at TD Garden on February 10, 2014 in Boston.

Richard T Gagnon / Getty Images


Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL Draft. In 2022, he opted for free agency and signed with Columbus.

A speedy lefthanded shooter who played on the wing, Gaudreau was nearly a career point-per-game player, notching 743 points — 243 goals and 500 assists — over 763 games in the NHL. He set a career high in goals in the 2021-22 season, his last with the Flames, when he scored 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points. He was a +64 player that season.

Both brothers went to Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, New Jersey, and both played hockey there. Matthew served as coach of the Gloucester Catholic hockey team after a five-year pro career.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement that said in part:

“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.”

Driver in custody

The crash happened at the intersection of Auburn Road and Stumpy Lane in Pedricktown after 8 p.m.  

Higgins was detained under suspicion he was under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto. He was taken to the Salem County Correctional Facility.

new-jersey-crash-location.jpg
A map showing the approximate location of a fatal crash that killed two people riding bicycles in Pedricktown, New Jersey.

CBS News Philadelphia


This is a developing story. Stay with CBS News Philadelphia for updates.





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A Moment With: Viswa Colluru

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A Moment With: Viswa Colluru – CBS News


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Enveda Biosciences CEO and Founder Viswa Colluru shares his journey to delivering hope through new medicines

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A Moment With: Antonio Berga and Carlos Serrano

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A Moment With: Antonio Berga and Carlos Serrano – CBS News


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Embat, a European fintech founded by former JP Morgan executives, transforms financial operations with a cloud-based treasury management solution, reshaping how CFOs and finance teams drive strategic growth in medium and large organisations

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Yellowstone hiker burned when she falls into scalding water near Old Faithful, park officials say

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9/18: CBS Evening News

19:57

Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. — A New Hampshire woman suffered severe burns on her leg after hiking off-trail in Yellowstone National Park and falling into scalding water in a thermal area near the Old Faithful geyser, park officials said.

The 60-year-old woman from Windsor, New Hampshire, along with her husband and their leashed dog were walking off a designated trail near the Mallard Lake Trailhead on Monday afternoon when she broke through a thin crust over the water and suffered second- and third-degree burns to her lower leg, park officials said. Her husband and the dog weren’t injured.

The woman was flown to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho for treatment.

old-faithful-sign-yellowstone-national-park.jpg
Old Faithful northbound sign in Yellowstone National Park

National Park Service / Jacob W. Frank


Park visitors are reminded to stay on boardwalks and trails in hydrothermal areas and exercise extreme caution. The ground in those areas is fragile and thin and there’s scalding water just below the surface, park officials said.

Pets are allowed in limited, developed areas of Yellowstone park but are prohibited on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry and in thermal areas.

The incident is under investigation. The woman’s name wasn’t made public.

This is the first known thermal injury in Yellowstone in 2024, park officials said in a statement. The park had recorded 3.5 million visitors through August this year.

Hot springs have injured and killed more people in Yellowstone National Park than any other natural feature, the National Park Service said. At least 22 people have died from hot spring-related injuries in and around the 3,471-square-mile national park since 1890, park officials have said.



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