"Everyone loves Johnny. Rest in peace brother": Max Domi shares heartfelt tribute to Johnny Gaudreau after his tragic death at 31

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Aug 30, 2024 17:11 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Domi paid tribute to Johnny Gaudreau on Instagram after his tragic passing. Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, died in a biking accident on August 29 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

Domi shared his grief in an Instagram story, writing:

"Devastating. Always smiling. Always happy. Incredible guy. Everyone loves Johnny. Rest in peace brother."

Domi's Tribute for Johnny (Credits: @max Instagram account)

Domi also shared a picture of Johnny's brother Matthew, who played for Worcester Railers of the ECHL.

Domi shared a picture of Matthew (Credits: @max Instagram account)

Domi also shared a young picture of the brothers (Credits: @max Instagram account)

Johnny and Matthew were in their hometown to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding the next day. The accident happened on Country Route 551 North around 8 p.m. A driver, suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, tried to pass another car and hit the brothers. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was charged with two counts of death by auto. The investigation is ongoing.

The Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed the news in a statement on August 30.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. 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,"

The loss of Johnny and Matthew has deeply affected the hockey community. Many people express their condolences and remember Johnny’s positive spirit.

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Gary Bettman and Marty Walsh released statements following Johnny Gaudreau's fatal accident

Johnny Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft. He played in the USHL before moving to Boston College, where he won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the top NCAA hockey player.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed sadness at Gaudreau’s passing.

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” Bettman's statement reads. (via NHL.com)

NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh also mourned the brother's death.

“The NHLPA joins the hockey community in mourning the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew," Walsh's statement reads.

Gaudreau participated in NHL All-Star Game in his rookie season with Calgary and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. He won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016-17 for sportsmanship. He scored 743 points (243 goals, 500 assists) in 763 regular-season NHL games with the Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.