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In recent days, social media has been abuzz with shocking rumors about the alleged death of American hockey star Johnny Gaudreau, widely known as “Johnny Hockey.” According to multiple unconfirmed reports, the Columbus Blue Jackets player supposedly died in a car accident alongside his brother, Matthew, while they were riding bicycles near their family home in New Jersey.
These rumors have ignited a frenzy online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), as fans and concerned netizens scramble to verify the truth. However, as of now, no official statements have been made by any credible sources, leaving the internet in a state of confusion and anxiety.
The Alleged Incident: What We Know
The rumors began circulating after a news report from 6abc mentioned a tragic accident in which two bicyclists were killed by a suspected drunk driver. The incident reportedly took place around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
Gaudreau, who currently plays for the Blue Jackets in Ohio, is originally from Salem, NJ, adding a layer of plausibility to the circulating rumors.
One of the most prominent voices in these reports is Steve Franklin, a journalist and CEO of Sports Thinkers, who claimed on X that the news had been confirmed by his brother, a police officer in Salem County. Franklin’s post stated, “My brother (police officer in Salem County, NJ) has confirmed with me that NHL Player Johnny Gaudreau has passed away in a car accident. Rest in peace, Johnny Gaudreau. Columbus Blue Jackets legend.”
Social Media Panic and Uncertainty
Despite the lack of confirmation from any official sources, the rumor quickly gained traction within the hockey community. Former NHL referee Tim Peel fueled the fire by responding to a post asking him to take down the death report, saying, “Morgan unfortunately this is true. Johnny and his brother were killed by a drunk driver tonight.”
Peel later mentioned that while he couldn’t disclose his sources, some reporters covering the Calgary Flames (Gaudreau’s former team) had confirmed the news to him.
Adding to the confusion, an alleged document from a police investigator’s notebook surfaced on social media. This piece of paper, supposedly listing the names Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau along with their address, has been widely shared. However, like much of the other information, its authenticity remains unverified.
The Official Silence
Amid the chaos, there has been a deafening silence from official sources. A reporter who reached out to the New Jersey State Police reported that they were inundated with calls about the incident but could neither confirm nor deny the rumors at this time.
As the speculation continues, neither Johnny Gaudreau nor his family has made any public statements, adding to the mystery and anxiety surrounding the situation.
Who is Johnny Gaudreau?
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately dubbed “Johnny Hockey,” is a prominent figure in American ice hockey. Born John Michael Gaudreau on August 13, 1993, in Salem, New Jersey, he grew up in Carneys Point Township. His early sports career saw him excel in both pee-wee hockey and little league baseball.
Gaudreau’s hockey career took off when he joined the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League during the 2010–11 season. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the 2011 USHL All-Star Game, and he was named to both the USHL All-Rookie Team and the All-USHL Second Team, as well as being crowned Rookie of the Year.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Calgary Flames selected him with the 104th pick. Gaudreau went on to play for Boston College in the NCAA Division I from 2011 to 2014, where he won the prestigious Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the best player in college hockey. His rookie NHL season saw him named to the 2014 NHL All-Rookie Team, and he earned a spot in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game during his first full season.
In July 2022, after a successful stint with the Calgary Flames, Gaudreau decided to return closer to home, signing a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, despite the offer being less lucrative than the one from Calgary.
Conclusion
As of now, the swirling rumors about Johnny Gaudreau’s alleged death in a car accident remain just that—rumors. The lack of confirmation from official sources means that the truth behind these claims is still up in the air. Fans and the hockey community at large are anxiously waiting for more information, hoping that the devastating news is nothing more than an unfounded social media scare.
In times like these, it’s important to approach such reports with caution and wait for credible sources to verify or debunk the information. Until then, the legacy of Johnny Gaudreau, both as a person and a hockey legend, remains intact, with the hope that he and his family are safe and well.