The devastating news of Johnny and Matty’s passing initially emerged through reports that the accident had taken place, though the victims had not yet been identified as the Gaudreau brothers.A report from 6abc Action News revealed that the New Jersey State Police disclosed that the driver involved in the accident had stayed at the scene and was believed to be under the influence.

X was flooded with announcements about the accident, including messages from individuals like Elaine Shircliff and Steve Franklin, who shared updates and confirmed that Johnny and Matty were the victims.Retired NHL referee Tim Peel also took to X, asking for prayers for the Gaudreau family and hoping the reports were not true.