Source: Justin Berl / Getty

Instead of what was supposed to be a celebratory day for Johnny Gaudreau and his family, they’re mourning.

Gaudreau, a hockey star who plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets, was out riding bikes with his brother Matthew in New Jersey when they were struck by an SUV Thursday night.

The driver of the Jeep turned out to be Sean Higgins, who attempted to pass two slower-moving vehicles when he struck the brothers. However, New Jersey police have already uncovered that Higgins wasn’t driving sober.

“Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol,” State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said in a press statement.

Police say that at the scene, the responding officer smelled a “strong odor” of alcohol coming from Higgins’ car, and according to the police affidavit, he admitted to having five or six beers. Then, the 43-year-old failed a sobriety test.

The tragedy occurred on the eve of the brothers’ scheduled wedding as groomsmen to their sister Katie and her would-be husband, fellow hockey player Devin Joyce.

Nicknamed Johnny Hockey, he signed with the Blue Jackets ahead of the 2022 season. In just his last season, he scored 12 goals and 48 assists.

The team has released a statement about the All-Star’s untimely death, praising his hockey-praying abilities but more how wonderful a person he was.

“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. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him,” the statement read in part. “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.”

Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, and his children, Noa and Johnny.

See how the sports community is mourning the death of Gaudreau below.