Columbus Star Johnny Gaudreau Dies in Accident

Every so often you hear of news so unspeakably tragic, it almost defies description.

This is one of those terrible occasions.

When Other Rick informed me this morning that Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died as a result of a biking accident, my heart literally fell to my toes. Made all the worse by the fact that the tragedy occurred the day before their sister, Katie’s, wedding…and that it appears a drunk driver was involved.

Can you imagine?

Forgive me if I struggle to put my thoughts into words or if I come up woefully short. I’m just in total shock…as I’m sure all of you are.

Two lives filled with such promise, cut down in their prime and through such terrible circumstances.

Again, how unspeakably horrific and senseless.

It just reinforces the brevity of life…how truly delicate and fragile our time here on earth can be. And how forces beyond our control can irretrievably alter our path and destiny. Sometimes tragically.

Every day truly is a gift from God…to be lived to the fullest.

By all accounts Johnny Gaudreau…beloved by teammates, coaches, family and loves ones…succeeded.

It’s said that God is never closer to us than when we’re hurting and in pain. My colleagues and I pray for healing for his family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating event.