He was Johnny Gaudreau, the hockey player who died in an accident and was honored at the Winter Olympics
There were 24 adults visible, but in reality there were 25. The shoulder pads, knee pads, and protective gear worn by the members of the U.S. ice hockey team made it hard to see, but he was there, even if he didn't appear in the photo. All the men posed. One held his young son, while another wore his jersey: number 13, with the name Graudreau prominently displayed.
TL;DR
- The U.S. Olympic ice hockey team honored deceased player Johnny Gaudreau during their gold medal celebration in Italy.
- Gaudreau died in a traffic accident on August 29, 2024, at the age of 31, leaving behind a young child.
- He was a left-wing player known for his speed, playing for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
- Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed when a drunk driver, Sean M. Higgins, hit them while they were cycling.
- The accident occurred on a rural road in Oldams, New Jersey, minutes before police arrived.
- The driver, Higgins, was intoxicated and subsequently charged with drunk driving and vehicular homicide.