The Empty Chair at the Table: A Gold Medal and the Long Shadow of Loss

Johnny Gaudreau DUI Victim

The tragic death of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau sent shockwaves through the hockey world and beyond, leaving fans, teammates, and families grappling with profound grief. Known as “Johnny Hockey,” Gaudreau was celebrated for his elite playmaking ability, speed, and heart on the ice. Off the rink, he was a devoted husband, father, son, and teammate whose impact extended far beyond the scoreboard. His passing in an alleged impaired driving crash reignited urgent conversations about drunk driving prevention, accountability, and the devastating ripple effects of one reckless decision. As tributes poured in from across the NHL and the broader sports community, many were reminded that behind every headline is a family facing unimaginable loss—and an empty chair that can never truly be filled.

Who Was Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau, and Why Did His Loss Resonate So Deeply?

Johnny Gaudreau was one of the most electrifying players in the National Hockey League. A South Jersey native, he built a reputation as a creative playmaker whose vision and skating ability made him a fan favorite wherever he played. He was not just a professional athlete; he was a husband, a father, a son, and a brother.

His death in August 2024, along with his brother Matthew, was widely reported as the result of a suspected impaired driving crash. According to public reporting, the driver allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel. For families who have endured similar losses, this was not just sports news—it was a painful echo of their own story.

Johnny Gaudreau DUI Victim

There is a specific kind of silence that follows a tragedy—a hollow, ringing quiet that exists in the space where a person used to be. For those of us who have lost loved ones to the reckless, 100% preventable crime of drunk driving, that silence is a permanent houseguest. We see it in the empty chair at Thanksgiving, the unread text messages, and the milestones that are reached but never shared.

This week, the world watched as the United States Men’s Hockey team did the impossible, ending a 46-year drought to claim Olympic gold in a heart-stopping overtime victory against Canada. To the casual observer, it was a miracle on ice for a new generation. But for those of us who carry the weight of loss—and for the hockey community still reeling from the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau—that gold medal felt like something else entirely. It was a beautiful, devastating reminder of what—and who—is missing.

I am W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. At Go2Attorney.com, I represent families whose lives have been shattered by drunk and impaired drivers. I write this not as a commentator, but as a lawyer who has sat across from grieving parents and spouses, and as someone who understands that behind every headline is an empty chair.

What Does the Law Say About Drunk Driving in Florida?

In Florida, DUI is governed by Florida Statutes § 316.193. The statute makes it unlawful to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances to the extent that normal faculties are impaired, or with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or higher.

If a DUI results in serious bodily injury or death, the penalties increase dramatically. DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and in some cases can be enhanced to a first-degree felony. You can review the statutory language directly at Justia:
https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/title-xxiii/chapter-316/section-316-193/

I always encourage clients and families to read the law themselves. Transparency matters.

How Often Do Drunk Driving Crashes Happen?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of people die each year in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the United States. NHTSA publishes annual traffic safety data reports available at:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/research-data

Advocacy organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) frequently cite that someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash roughly every 78 seconds in the United States. Their statistical summaries can be found at:
https://madd.org/statistics/

These are not abstract numbers to me. Each statistic represents a family that will forever measure time in “before” and “after.”

What Are the Criminal Consequences of DUI Causing Death?

When impaired driving results in a fatality, prosecutors often pursue DUI manslaughter charges. Under Florida law, the State must prove that the defendant was driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle, was impaired or over the legal limit, and caused or contributed to the death of a human being.

Below is a simplified overview of potential criminal exposure under Florida law:

For official statutory language, consult the Florida Legislature’s website:
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/

Can Families Pursue Civil Claims After a Drunk Driving Death?

Yes. In addition to criminal prosecution by the State, families may pursue wrongful death claims under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, found at Florida Statutes § 768.16 and following sections. The purpose of a civil action is not punishment—that is the role of criminal court—but compensation and accountability.

Civil damages may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost support and services, and in some cases, non-economic damages for pain and suffering. I work closely with families to explain the difference between criminal prosecution and civil litigation. They are separate processes with different burdens of proof.

You can review the statutory framework here:
https://law.justia.com/codes/florida/title-xlvi/chapter-768/

What Is the “Cost of a Choice”?

In many DUI cases, the alleged driver consumed what they may have perceived as a “small” amount of alcohol. Public reports in the Gaudreau case indicated the driver allegedly told police he had “five or six beers.” That phrase has echoed in households across the country.

To understand the potential impact, consider this simplified chart:

Alcohol Impairment Risk (Generalized)

This chart reflects general educational information commonly published by NHTSA and public safety agencies. Individual impairment varies.

When I meet with families, I remind them that the crash was not an “accident” in the purest sense. It was the foreseeable result of a decision.

How Does the Criminal Process Unfold After a Fatal DUI?

After an arrest, the case proceeds through first appearance, arraignment, motion practice, and potentially trial. Evidence may include breath, blood, or urine testing, accident reconstruction, witness testimony, and toxicology reports. The defense has the right to challenge every aspect of the State’s case.

Families often ask me whether they will have a voice. In Florida, victims have constitutional rights under Article I, Section 16(b) of the Florida Constitution (Marsy’s Law). These rights include being informed, present, and heard at crucial stages of the criminal process.

For more information on victim rights, see the Florida Attorney General’s Office:
https://www.myfloridalegal.com/crime-victims

What Role Does Advocacy Play in Prevention?

Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving have spent decades advocating for stronger DUI laws, victim services, and public awareness. Legislative reforms—such as administrative license suspension and ignition interlock requirements—grew out of sustained advocacy.

But prevention is not just about statutes. It is about culture. It is about friends taking keys. It is about calling a rideshare. It is about refusing to normalize “just a few drinks.”

Why Do I Share the Story of the Empty Jersey?

During the 2026 Winter Games, members of the U.S. team reportedly honored Johnny by displaying his No. 13 jersey in the locker room. When the final horn sounded, they lifted it in tribute.

For families I represent, that image is familiar. I have seen graduation ceremonies where a photo sits in the front row. I have attended sentencings where a folded jersey rests on counsel table. These rituals do not heal the wound—but they acknowledge it.

As lawyers, we deal in statutes and evidence. As human beings, we deal in memory.

Video Resources on DUI Law and Victim Rights

For those seeking reliable information, I recommend reviewing educational materials from:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration YouTube channel (public safety campaigns)
• The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) media resources: https://www.flhsmv.gov/

These government sources provide fact-based information on impaired driving laws and prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DUI manslaughter in Florida?

DUI manslaughter occurs when a person driving under the influence causes or contributes to the death of another human being. Under Florida Statutes § 316.193(3)(c)3, it is generally classified as a second-degree felony. The State must prove impairment and causation beyond a reasonable doubt. The penalties can include lengthy prison sentences and permanent felony records.

Can a family attend and speak at sentencing?

Yes. Under Florida’s constitutional victims’ rights provisions, families have the right to be heard at sentencing. Courts typically allow victim impact statements, either orally or in writing. I prepare families carefully so their voice is clear, focused, and powerful.

Is there a time limit to file a wrongful death claim?

Yes. Florida generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death actions under Fla. Stat. § 95.11. Deadlines can vary based on specific facts, so it is important to consult counsel promptly. Missing the deadline can bar recovery entirely.

Does insurance cover drunk driving crashes?

Auto insurance may provide liability coverage, even in DUI cases, up to policy limits. However, policy limits are often insufficient in catastrophic loss cases. Identifying all potential sources of recovery requires thorough investigation.

How can I get help if my family has been affected?

You can contact me directly through my contact page or learn more about my background at my bio page. I handle these cases personally. I meet with families personally. And I treat each case as if it were my own family at that table.

Moving Forward, Never Moving On

There is no “moving on” from a loss like this. You move forward. You carry it. You find ways to honor it.

When I think about that No. 13 jersey held high, I do not just see a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. I see every empty chair at every kitchen table across Florida and beyond. I see the families who sit in my office, holding photographs instead of hands.

If you are reading this because your family has been touched by impaired driving, know this: you are not alone. There are legal remedies. There are rights. And there are people—like me—who will stand beside you.

Let that jersey be more than a symbol. Let it be a reason to act. Let it be the reason we prevent the next empty chair.