NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed on bicycles when hit by suspected drunk driver

NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother were killed Thursday night when struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey, according to police.

Gaudreau, 31, and younger brother Matthew, 29, were killed in Carneys Point, New Jersey, of which they are natives. They were reportedly in the area for their sister's wedding scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.

The Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when a man driving in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind, according to the Associated Press, based on information from the New Jersey State Police.

They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, police also said.

Johnny Gaudreau was a fan favorite and known as “Johnny Hockey." 

He played 11 professional seasons in the National Hockey League including his last two with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the wire service also reports.