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Bubba Wallace's spotter, Freddie Kraft, has shared his reactions to hearing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau's death on August 29. The 31-year-old NHL star and his brother Matthew were killed after being hit by a car on Thursday night.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have said they are "shocked and devastated" by the tragic events, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
"Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.
"Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve."
Reposting the message, Kraft wrote,
"Just awful."
According to reports, Gaudreau and his brother were riding bikes on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, just past 8 PM when they were hit by a car. Investigators say the car had veered onto the oncoming lane to pass a vehicle that had moved to the middle of the road.
Johnny Gaudreau received the prestigious Hobey Baker Award after he led the country in goals (36), assists (44) and points (80) scored in 40 games. He sits 5th in Flames history in assists and points with 399 and 609, respectively.
In the last 10 years, he had the seventh-most assists and ninth-most points in the NHL. He also had 7 NHL All-Star game appearances.
Johnny Gaudreau's sister cancels her wedding following family tragedy: reports
Johnny Gaudreau's sister, Katie Gaudreau, has reportedly canceled her upcoming wedding with her fiancé, Devin Joyce after the family received the news of her brothers' demise. The nuptial ceremony was scheduled for Friday at the Parish of St. Mary in Gloucester City, New Jersey.
Johnny and Matthew were to walk her down the aisle as groomsmen, according to her online registry page at TheKnot.com
Matthew's wife, Madeline, is expecting their baby, and Madeline's sister Holland Korbitz has set up a fundraiser to support the mother and unborn child.
A message on the fundraiser's page says:
"In this unimaginably difficult time, we are coming together to support Matthew's wife, Madeline and their growing baby Tripp, and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. Your support will allow them the time to take off work to grieve and heal as a family."
