The sporting community continues to mourn the deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were killed by a drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey. It might seem unfair that these two celebrities are receiving so much attention – as cyclists are killed by drunk drivers all the time in New Jersey. These people are not famous athletes, and the general public forgets about them within a few short weeks. A drunk driving death is always a tragedy – no matter who the victim might be. Although it is difficult to draw any positives from this tragedy, the crash at least highlights how dangerous drunk drivers have become in the Garden State. If a drunk driver harmed you or someone you love, consider a consultation with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in New Jersey.
Drunk Driver Identified as Hockey Community Mourns Death
In September of 2024, Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother were riding their bikes down a rural road in Oldmans Township when they were struck and killed by a drunk driver. Gaudreau was 31 years old, and his brother was just 29. Their sister’s wedding was the next day, and they were getting ready to be groomsmen.
Police say that a speeding, drunk driver approached the cyclists from behind, weaving between traffic in a highly reckless manner. First, the drunk driver passed a car by going around its left side. While he made this maneuver, another car veered left to give the cyclists more space. This prompted the drunk driver to veer right in an attempt to pass – and he struck the two cyclists from behind at high speed.
The driver then failed a sobriety test and admitted to drinking “five or six beers,” according to some reports. He now faces numerous charges and remains behind bars as of this writing. In the days after the crash, journalists determined that the driver was a Major in the U.S. National Guard. Somewhat ironically, he also has work experience at a local substance abuse treatment center.
Drunk Drivers Continue to Kill Many Others Across New Jersey
Although this story will remain in the headlines for many more months, other victims continue to die in drunk driving accidents across New Jersey. These individuals may only receive a few seconds of attention from journalists – perhaps a sentence or two in an accident report. But each of these people is a human being with a family – just like Johnny Gaudreau. While the former NHL player’s story is tragic, we should view it as part of a larger pattern – one that is killing people in droves.
In the days following this bike accident, a pedestrian was killed by a suspected drunk driver in Cumberland County. In another recent incident, a New Jersey woman in The Villages faced DWI charges after crashing her vehicle. She could not even stand after getting out of her vehicle, and she admitted to consuming margaritas before driving. Fortunately, no one was injured by this specific individual.
Another recent crash involved a drunk woman crashing into a police car on Route 15 near Sparta. Authorities say that she went straight through a number cones before impacting the vehicle, which had its lights flashing. Police say they do not yet know why the suspect could not see the flashing lights on the police vehicle.
After the crash, police quickly determined that the suspect was slurring her words. They also smelled alcohol on her breath. During an interview, the woman said that she did not realize that the vehicle she had struck was a police vehicle – despite the flashing red and blue lights. Finally, the police determined that she did not even have a valid license.
These are the kinds of people who routinely kill cyclists in New Jersey – and they must be held accountable. While criminal charges often fall flat, civil lawsuits ensure financial penalties for negligent drivers.
Contact Lependorf & Silverstein Today
A fatal bike accident can leave families with unthinkable grief and financial pressures. The psychological trauma of these incidents can be particularly challenging if the crash was caused by a drunk driver. It is important to remember that you are not alone. With help from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in New Jersey, you may be able to seek compensation for your various damages. These damages might include funeral expenses, missed future income, unpaid hospital bills, and more. Reach out to Lependorf & Silverstein today to discuss your legal options in more detail.
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