Heartbreaking Farewell: Funeral for Gaudreau Brothers Scheduled for Monday As NHL and Hockey Community Grieve

Thursday, September 5th, 2024

The memorial service for John and Matthew Gaudreau is scheduled for Monday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania. The Columbus Blue Jackets, where John Gaudreau earned the affectionate nickname "Johnny Hockey," will provide a live online stream of the event.

Last week, the Gaudreau brothers tragically lost their lives in a bicycle accident in New Jersey, caused by a driver suspected to be intoxicated. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, is currently held in custody awaiting his court hearing on September 13.

Higgins faces charges including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and offenses related to alcohol. His legal team maintains that it is premature to provide statements outside of judicial proceedings.

The funeral is expected to be attended by numerous individuals from the hockey community, including members of the Blue Jackets team and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Due to the anticipated large turnout, St. Mary Magdalen School will be closed on Monday.

Fans organized candlelight vigils in both Columbus, Ohio, and Calgary, Alberta, on Wednesday evening. A solemn 13-minute, 21-second moment of silence was observed outside the Blue Jackets' arena as part of the remembrance.

The brothers' agent, Lewis Gross, has publicly shared his sorrow and dedication to their legacy. Donations are being directed to the John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation as mentioned in their obituaries.

During the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony, USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher voiced his condolences, and Kevin Stevens, who played with the Gaudreau brothers at Boston College, also expressed his sympathies.

Related Links

• Columbus Blue Jackets News & Updates
• Columbus Blue Jackets Schedule & Scores
• NHL News