The funeral arrangements for John and Matthew Gaudreau have been set, following their tragic deaths at the hands of a suspected drunken driver. The melancholic service is scheduled to take place at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania. The Gaudreau brothers, both accomplished athletes, were fatally struck by a vehicle while cycling in New Jersey, just before their sister Katie’s wedding. This devastating incident has left the entire hockey community in mourning, from their colleagues at the Columbus Blue Jackets to their alma mater, Boston College.
The driver, Sean M. Higgins, who is accused of causing the fatal accident, is currently incarcerated at a Salem County jail. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and consuming alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. Higgins’ legal representation, attorneys Matthew Portella and Richard Klineburger III, have emphasized that it is too premature in the legal process to make any statements outside of the courtroom. The first pretrial hearing has been rescheduled to September 13 to allow for adequate preparation time.
The outpouring of support from the hockey community has been overwhelming, with members coming together to pay their respects to the Gaudreau brothers. The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that the entire team will be present at the funeral, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is also expected to attend. The scale of the event has prompted the closure of school at St. Mary Magdalen as a safety precaution due to the expected large gathering of mourners. The Rev. Eric J. Banecker acknowledged the significance of the funeral and urged understanding from the community.
In the wake of the tragedy, fans and players alike have united to honor the memory of John and Matthew Gaudreau. Candlelight vigils were held in Columbus, Ohio, and Calgary, Alberta, with emotional tributes from individuals who were touched by the brothers’ lives. The profound impact of their loss was evident in the silent remembrance outside the Blue Jackets’ arena, as well as the overwhelming display of support from Flames’ fans in Calgary. The parallels drawn between their childhood, careers, and family life highlighted the depth of their legacy.
Lewis Gross, the brothers’ long-time agent, expressed his profound grief at their passing and the enduring impact they had on his life. Their shared journey in the world of hockey forged a bond that transcended professional relationships, culminating in a sense of family that extended beyond the sport. Obituaries have encouraged donations to the John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, underscoring the desire to commemorate their lives through meaningful contributions to the community. The broader hockey community, including USA Hockey and the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, has paid tribute to the Gaudreau brothers and offered continued support to their loved ones during this difficult time.
The tragic loss of John and Matthew Gaudreau has reverberated throughout the sports world, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew them. The upcoming funeral will serve as a poignant reminder of their legacy and the profound impact they had on those around them, both on and off the ice. Their memory will endure as a testament to the power of family, friendship, and the enduring spirit of the game they loved.