MLB mourns 'tragic passing' of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother in biking incident

The NHL community is dealing with the news of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew's deaths on Thursday, and the MLB has offered up its condolences. Sports are a community, and the baseball world is sending out its thoughts and prayers.

Gaudreau was a fan favorite across 11 NHL seasons, and he and his brother were biking the night before they were set to be part of their sister's wedding. They were reportedly struck by a drunk driver and both died.

The MLB said on X:

"Major League Baseball is saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Gaudreau family, the National Hockey League, and the Columbus Blue Jackets."

Gaudreau was nicknamed "Johnny Hockey" and was described as having an infectious joy on the ice. The NHL offered up their own statement earlier today, saying that he'd be greatly missed in Calgary, Columbus, Boston, and everywhere in the league.

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What happened to Johnny Gaudreau?

Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau were biking near their family's home in Salem County, New Jersey on Thursday, August 29. They were set to be groomsmen for their sister Kate's wedding in Philadelphia on Friday.

Johnny Gaudreau (image credit: Imagn)

While they were biking, three cars came up behind them. One moved to pass them safely, while a second car, driven by an allegedly drunk driver, tried to go around everyone and struck the brothers with his car.

The two brothers died from their injuries and the driver, Sean Higgins, remained at the scene. He's been charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, improper passing, as well as having an open container in his vehicle and consuming alcohol while driving.