Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed Thursday night in New Jersey when a car crashed into their bicycles on a rural road. Gaudreau was 31.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement early Friday morning confirming the death.

“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 read. “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”

According to multiple reports, the Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey in preparations for their sister’s wedding this weekend.

More to come on this story.

RALEIGH, NC – APRIL 07: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on during the warmups of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on April 07, 2024 in Raleigh, North…
RALEIGH, NC – APRIL 07: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on during the warmups of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on April 07, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Gaudreau, 31, died when a car crashed into the bicycle he was riding late Thursday night in New Jersey.

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