Photo credit: Boston College
The hockey world is reeling from the tragic news that Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 30, were killed last night while out for a bicycle ride.
A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection with the incident.
In the wake of this devastating loss, attention has turned to the 'journalist' who initially shared an unsubstantiated report about the incident, leading to a premature reaction from the public. The reporter has faced significant backlash from prominent members of the hockey community, including Tony Androckitis.
Following the controversy, the journalist has now officially 'parted ways' with the website he was affiliated with. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities and ethics of reporting, especially in moments of tragedy.
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A tip to aspiring sports journalists:
Some things just aren't worth being 'first' to report.
When it comes to the tragic death of an athlete, & to a lesser degree, retirement from the game, just let the player/team/family release a statement & be the source to share that news.
You can have your story written and ready to release as soon as it becomes official.
There's nothing to gain from publicizing that info before it's appropriate.
Flyers Nitty Gritty, the website that employed the individual who reported the unsubstantiated news, has decided to part ways with the writer. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaudreau family and everyone affected by this tragedy. This incident underscores the importance of journalistic integrity and privacy, especially during sensitive times.
Reports have surfaced that some fans attempted to directly message the Gaudreau family to confirm the involvement, highlighting the need for restraint and respect for those grieving. Maintaining privacy and sensitivity for all those involved during such a difficult time is vital.
