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Columbus radio host slams ‘management’ for beer placement after death of Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau
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Columbus radio host slams ‘management’ for beer placement after death of Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau

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Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were murdered Thursday night at ages 31 and 29.

The brothers are believed to have been hit by a drunk driver while riding their bikes in New Jersey. They were reportedly back in their hometown for their sister’s wedding, scheduled for Friday.

During a radio show in the Columbus area, a bucket of Coors Light beer was placed on a table for all viewers to see during the YouTube broadcast of the show.

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Johnny Gaudreau

Columbus Blue Jackets left winger Johnny Gaudreau (13) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports)

Viewers pointed out and noted that the timing of the beer commercial was off.

Marc “Chops” Finch, the co-host of 97.1 The Fan’s “Bishop and Friends,” got wind of the comments and almost immediately pointed the finger at his bosses.

“Let’s do this right now, sorry – Coors Light is in the window. Someone said that in the YouTube chat right now. Send the emails to upper management,” Finch implored his listeners.

“The show for us – I respect (them) – they took that out. Management wanted it back. Send it to them. Not to me. I have to sit next to this; I don’t want that today.”

Rumors spread on social media late Thursday night and on Friday morning the team confirmed the brothers’ deaths.

Johnny Gaudreau celebrates

Johnny Gaudreau, #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets, reacts after scoring the game-tying goal in 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 BROTHER KILLED IN BICYCLE CRASH 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 importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend,” their statement said.

“We extend our sincere condolences to his wife Meredith, his children Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”

According to New Jersey State Police, the Gaudreau brothers were riding bicycles on the road when 43-year-old Sean Higgins, who was traveling in the same direction, attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET.

They were pronounced dead at the scene. According to police, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle and booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Brothers Johnny Gaudreau, #13, and Matthew Gaudreau, #21, of the Boston College Eagles celebrate the Eagles’ victory over the Northeastern University Huskies to win their fifth consecutive Beanpot Championship in NCAA hockey during 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 was coaching at the brothers’ alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School, at the time of their deaths.

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report.