Johnny Gaudreau’s sister has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her brothers after they were hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver the day before their wedding.
Katie Gaudreau described Johnny, 31, and Matt, 29, as “the best big brothers a girl could have asked for” in a tribute shared on Instagram Monday morning.
The duo were struck while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, shortly before 8:30 p.m. Thursday night.
The two were expected to be at their sister’s side on Friday afternoon as best men, but the wedding was called off in the wake of the tragedy.
Katie Gaudreau shared the touching tribute on Monday morning, describing Johnny, 31, and Matt, 29, as “the best big brothers a girl could have asked for.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s sister has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her brothers after they were hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver the day before their wedding.
Katie said: ‘This will never be a goodbye post because I will never stop saying their names and honouring them both’
The duo were struck while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, shortly before 8:30 p.m. Thursday night.
Katie said: “To know them both was to love them. I have no words to express the bond my family shared.”
‘The whole world knows there would never have been a John without Matty, or Matty without John.
‘The best big brothers a girl could have ever asked for. This will never be a goodbye post because I will never stop saying your names and honoring you both.
‘I will take the best care of Mom, Dad, Kristen, Mer, Madeline and their babies.’
Higgins is accused of being drunk when he collided with Gaudreau and his brother.
The driver, Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey (pictured), is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide without bail.
Instead of celebrating the happiest moment of her life with her siblings as planned, she and her family were grieving the double tragedy.
As well as being part of the bridal party, the wedding was set to be a very special day for Johnny, who would have seen his almost two-year-old daughter Noa walk down the aisle as a flower girl.
His six-month-old son, Johnny, was to be the ring bearer, and his wife Meredith was Katie’s maid of honor.
Instead of celebrating the happiest moment of her life with her siblings as planned, Katie and her family were left grieving the double tragedy.
The two brothers were struck and killed by another vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane.
The driver, Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide without bail.
Johnny’s wife, Meredith, described him as “the best dad… and the best partner to go through parenthood with.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s sister has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her brothers after they were hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver the day before their wedding.
Johnny’s wife, Meredith, described him as “the best dad… and the best partner to go through parenthood with.”
Meanwhile, Matthew leaves his wife Madeline behind just over three years after their wedding.
To add insult to injury, it has been revealed that Madeline is currently pregnant with the couple’s first child.
“John never missed a single appointment. He was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much he looks like him.”
She said she took comfort in knowing the siblings “are of course together in heaven,” noting the pair were “always by each other’s side… hip to hip.”
‘Absolute best friends and each other’s biggest fans despite having totally opposite personalities.
“I don’t think John could live a day without you, so I take comfort in knowing that you are, of course, together in heaven.”
Meanwhile, Matthew leaves his wife Madeline just over three years after their wedding.
To add to the tragedy, it has been revealed that Madeline is currently pregnant with the couple’s first child.
Meredith said: ‘Matty, thank you for loving our babies like they were your own and for being such an amazing uncle and godfather.
“I can’t wait to repay the honor when I become Tripp’s aunt. Please continue to take care of John like you always have. I’ll take care of Madeline and Tripp.”
The brothers’ wives, Madeline and Meredith, have vowed to support each other and their children.
Instead of celebrating the happiest moment of her life with her siblings as planned, she and her family are now grieving the double tragedy.