the world of professional hockey was struck with unfathomable grief when the Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Friday morning via X formerly known as Twitter that Johnny goodro a beloved player and his brother Matthew had tragically lost their lives the devastating news sent shock waves through the sports Community as the godo brothers known for their close Bond and deep roots in the sport were killed in a horrific accident on Thursday evening in oldman's Township New Jersey the tragic accident a night of unimaginable loss according to reports from the New Jersey State Police Johnny and Matthew godo were cycling together on County Route 551 when they were struck by a car around 8:00 p.m. the incident occurred when Cen Higgins the driver of the vehicle attempted to pass an SUV that had slowed down and moved into the middle of the roadway to safely pass the brothers in a tragic and ill-fated decision Higgins tried to maneuver past the SUV on the right but ended up striking the godos from behind the impact of the Collision was catastrophic Johnny 31 and Matthew 29 were both killed instantly leaving their family friends and the entire hockey community in a State of Shock and mourning the driver Cen Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash according to reports from 6abc Higgins allegedly admitted to a state trooper that he had consumed five to six beers before getting behind the wheel a confession that added another layer of tragedy to the already heartbreaking situation a community in mourning the immediate aftermath the Columbus Blue Jackets the team Johnny godo had been a part of since signing a significant contract in 2022 were among the first to express their Devastation over the loss of their star player and his brother in a statement released shortly after the newsbroke the team conveyed their deep sorrow emphasizing not only Johnny's contributions on the ice but also the person he was off the ice the Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy the team statement read Johnny was not only a great hockey player but more significantly a loving husband father mother son brother and friend we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Meredith his children Noah and Johnny his parents their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew the statement highlighted the profound loss felt by those closest to Johnny and Matthew godo as well as the broader impact on the community that admired and supported them the hockey world known for its tight-knit nature rallied around the godo family offering condolences prayers and support during this time of immense grief