Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, died after being struck by a vehicle in Oldmans Township. The township is about 50 miles (80 kilometres) from Trenton.

According to initial reports and police, the two were struck by a vehicle driven by a 43-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. 

The driver hit the cyclists from behind at around 8pm, just under half an hour after sunset. A doctor pronounced them dead at the scene, about 35 miles south of Philadelphia.

The driver has been charged with two counts of motor vehicle homicide and remains in custody in Salem County. He also faces charges of reckless driving, having an open container and consuming alcohol while driving. The driver told an officer at the scene that he had had five or six beers before the accident. 

According to the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press, he admitted to drinking alcohol while driving. His detention hearing is set for 5 September.

All of the NHL's governing bodies and officials have expressed their condolences.NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he was shocked and saddened by the passing of Gaudreau, whose "infectious spirit for the game and dazzling skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey.

Gaudreau became a standout player both at the team level and when representing Team USA at the World Championships. He spent his first nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022, and was one of the team's most experienced players.

According to press reports, the Gaudreau brothers had returned to their home in New Jersey on Friday for one of their sister's weddings. The shock is enormous. The family's grief is unimaginable at this time.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend," the club said in a statement.

His charisma and personality had earned him a special place among the fans. "He excited the fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organisation and our sport was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on everyone who knew him," the statement continued.

"Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. He will be greatly missed and we will do everything we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy," the team added.

His former club, the Calgary Flames, also paid tribute to their former player and his brother. "Our hearts are broken at this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary," they said.

"It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine incredible years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but as a beloved member of our community," the Flames statement read.

"Our hearts go out to Johnny's wife Meredith, their children Noa and Johnny, his parents Jane and Guy, his sisters Kristen and Katie, and the entire Gaudreau family," they concluded.

Flowers and hockey sticks were placed in tribute outside Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as well as the Calgary Flames arena, the two teams with which he became one of the NHL's most important players.