Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed Thursday night at the ages of 31 and 29.
The brothers are believed to have been hit by a drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey. They were said to have returned to their hometown to attend their sister's wedding, scheduled for Friday.
Well, during a radio show in the Columbus area, a bucket of Coors Light beer was placed on a table for all viewers to see on the show's YouTube simulcast.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left winger Johnny Gaudreau (13) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at the Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports)
Viewers pointed this out, citing poor timing for, presumably, the beer ad.
Marc “Chops” Finch, co-host of 97.1 The Fan's “Bishop and Friends,” caught wind of the comments and pointed them out to his bosses almost immediately.
“Let's do it right now, sorry, Coors Light is on display. Someone said that in the YouTube chat right now. Send the emails to senior management,” Finch implored his listeners.
“The spectacle before us – I respect it. [them] – They took it down. Management wanted it back up. Send it to them. Not me. I have to sit here next to it; I don't want to do it today.”
Rumors spread on social media Thursday night and the team confirmed the brothers' deaths Friday morning.
Johnny Gaudreau, #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets, reacts after scoring the game-tying goal during the third period of a game against the Washington Capitals at Nationwide Arena on January 31, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
NHL STAR JOHNNY GAUDREAU AND HIS BROTHER KILLED IN BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN NEW JERSEY AFTER BEING HIT BY SUSPECTED DRUNK DRIVER
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but most significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” his statement read.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, his family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
According to New Jersey State Police, the Gaudreau brothers were riding bicycles on a road when Sean Higgins, 43, driving in the same direction, attempted to pass two other vehicles and rear-ended them around 8:30 p.m. ET.
They were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was charged with two counts of death by motor vehicle accident and booked into the Salem County Correctional Center.
Brothers Johnny Gaudreau, #13, and Matthew Gaudreau, #21, of the Boston College Eagles, celebrate after the Eagles defeated the Northeastern University Huskies to win their fifth consecutive Beanpot Championship in NCAA hockey action in the championship game of the Annual Beanpot Hockey Tournament at TD Garden on February 10, 2014, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Richard T. Gagnon/Getty Images)
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Gaudreau and his brother both played hockey at Boston College. Matthew also played hockey for several minor league teams and had been a coach at Gloucester Catholic High School, the college where the brothers were living, at the time of his death.
Fox News' Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.
