Teammates, thousands of fans mourn Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau’s tragic deaths in emotional vigils

Blue Jackets players fondly remembered Johnny Gaudreau, who joined the organization as a free agent in 2022. 

“I just wanted to say thank you, John, for choosing Columbus when other people wouldn’t,” an emotional Zach Werenski said on Wednesday night. “You brought so much joy and excitement to this city, I’ve never quite seen anything like it. Something only truly special players can do and that’s what you were. Over the past two years, I’ve gotten to know John and his family and I can see just how much they meant to him. They were his whole world, especially his wife Meredith and his kids Noah and Johnny.

“There are so many things I’m going to miss about John starting with that huge plate of pasta with a Coke before games.” 

Erik Gudbranson, who played with Johnny Gaudreau in both Columbus and Calgary, said during the stateside vigil that the team’s “hearts are shattered in a million pieces” while also calling him “an amazing friend.” 

Gudbranson also recalled something special that had been unique to his friendship with Gaudreau over the years. 

“There’s something that I’ll miss very dearly,” Gudbranson said, per The Athletic. “I had this little thing with John, where I’d pick him up and give him a bearhug, and I wouldn’t let him down until he told me he loved me. He wouldn’t tell me for a long time. I know now, with him up there, that it’s because he enjoyed the hug.

Higgins allegedly tried to pass two slow-moving vehicles when he hit the Gaudreaus while they were riding their bikes.