NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau, Brother Killed After Bikes They Were Riding Struck By Car; Driver Taken Into Custody

NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed Thursday night in a tragic accident.

The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement early Friday morning confirming speculation swirling around social media that Johnny, a seven-time all-star, and Matthew died when bikes they were riding were struck by a car.

"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, Nod and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew," the team announced to the public.

Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed in accident.

The Columbus Blue Jackets star and his brother were killed after being hit by a vehicle in Oldmans Township, New Jersey,, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The Associated Press reported that the alleged driver of the vehicle was taken into custody on "two counts of death by auto" due to police believing he was under the influence of alcohol.

The suspected driver is currently being held in Salem County Correctional Facility. The man is currently being held without bail, according to jail records on the Salem County Correctional Facility website. There is no listed upcoming court date as of publication.

The accident happened around 8:30 p.m. local time, according to WPVI. Johnny is survived by his wife and two children.

To make the situation even more tragic, both men were supposed to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding on Friday.

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew killed in tragic accident. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)

Johnny was 31 years old and his brother Matthew was 29. While Johnny was an NHL standout, his brother was also a pro player who spent time in the AHL and ECHL.

It's also important in a tragedy like this to recognize both men were more than hockey players. In fact, Johnny Gaudreau being a hockey player is the least important thing about him at a time like this.

He was a father, a husband, a brother, a son and a friend to many people. Now, after a tragedy beyond words, the Gaudreau family lost two sons in one night.

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew are dead after a biking accident. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)

It's simply heartbreaking, and there's not much else that can be said. The situation remains fluid, and we will continue to update this piece with more information as we have it.