5:45 AM PT — New Jersey State Police inform TMZ … “Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 8:19 PM on County Route 551 North, milepost 11.1 Oldmans Township, Salem County. Based on a preliminary investigation, two pedalcyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old male from Carneys Point, N.J., and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old male from Pedricktown, N.J., were traveling north on County Route 551, close to the fog line of the roadway. Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old male from Woodstown, N.J., was traveling north on CR 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and SUV.”
“Higgins attempted to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lanes of travel, passed the slower-moving sedan, and attempted to re-enter the northbound lanes of travel when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass the two pedalcyclist traveling north on the right side of the roadway. Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two pedalcyclists in the rear. As a result of the collision, the two pedalcyclists sustained fatal injuries.”
They concluded … “Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, charged with two counts of death by auto, and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility. This crash remains an active investigation, and no additional information is available.”
The Nationwide Hockey League simply misplaced certainly one of its star gamers … Johnny Gaudreau was killed alongside along with his brother whereas they rode bikes in New Jersey.
Based on a number of information retailers … Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, had been biking on a highway in rural Oldmans Township in South Jersey on Thursday evening once they collided with a shifting car.
Police mentioned the motorist stayed on the scene, and investigators are actually trying into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Gaudreau — who was branded “Johnny Hockey” by his followers — spent 11 seasons within the NHL, taking part in 9 of them with the Calgary Flames.
His final two seasons had been with the Columbus Blue Jackets — and the staff issued a press release about Johnny’s premature loss of life.
Of their remarks, the staff mentioned they had been shocked and devastated by the tragedy whereas calling Johnny an amazing hockey participant. Extra importantly, they mentioned Johnny beloved his household and provided their help to his grieving family.
Johnny was 31. Matthew was 29.
RIP
Initially Revealed — 5:35 AM PT