The Gaudreau family released a statement honoring NHL star Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, after they were both killed by a drunk driver while riding their bikes Thursday night.
The tragic incident occurred just hours before the brothers were to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding in Philadelphia, and police arrested Sean M Higgins at the scene, who admitted to drinking “5 or 6 beers.”
Now the family have broken their statement with words from their uncle Jim, who said: ‘Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two relatives, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing human beings.
‘We want everyone to know that we are receiving your messages of love and support and appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
‘We ask that you continue to respect and protect their privacy during this difficult time of grief. On behalf of all of our families and from the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce families)’
Johnny Gaudreau (left, with his wife Meredith at their wedding in 2021) was killed on Thursday
Johnny, an NHL veteran, had spent the last two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Matthew (left) and Johnny (right) both plied their trade on the ice at Boston College.
His uncle Jim (pictured during the 2022 All-Star weekend) released a statement from the family.
Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith, whom he married in September 2021, and two young children: one-year-old daughter Noa and baby Johnny, who was born just six months ago.
Meredith is believed to have been set to be a bridesmaid at her sister-in-law’s wedding on Friday afternoon. It is unclear whether the wedding will go ahead.
Meanwhile, Matthew leaves his wife Madeline just over three years after their wedding in New Jersey.
In a statement to DailyMail.com, New Jersey State Police troopers confirmed they responded to a single-vehicle crash at 8:19 p.m. on County Route 551 North, mile marker 11.1 Oldmans Township, Salem County.
Johnny and his wife Meredith had two children together, and in October 2022 they welcomed their first daughter, Noa.
‘According to a preliminary investigation, two bicyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old man from Carneys Point, New Jersey, and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old man from Pedricktown, New Jersey, were traveling northbound on County Route 551 near the fog line of the roadway,’ the statement read.
‘Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, NJ, was traveling northbound on CR 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and an SUV. Higgins attempted to pass the slower moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound travel lanes, passed the slower moving sedan, and attempted to re-enter the northbound travel lanes when the SUV in front of Higgins moved into the middle of the roadway, splitting the northbound and southbound lanes to safely pass the two bicyclists who were traveling northbound on the right side of the roadway.
‘Higgins then attempted to overtake the SUV on the right and hit the two cyclists from behind. As a result of the collision, both cyclists suffered fatal injuries.
Johnny, a 31-year-old NHL veteran who had spent the past two seasons with the Blue Jackets, was riding his bike with his younger brother Matthew, 29, on the eve of his sister Katie’s wedding when the fatal crash occurred (pictured: Gaudreau with his wife Meredith and their two children)
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.
‘Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, he was charged with two counts of death by motor vehicle accident and booked into the Salem County Correctional Center. This accident remains an active investigation and no additional information is available.’
Columbus released a statement confirming the passing of their player on Friday morning, admitting that he will be “terribly missed” and expressing their condolences to his family.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the statement said. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”
The two brothers were struck and killed by another vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane.
New Jersey State Police troopers confirmed they responded to a crash at 8:19 p.m.
Gaudreau, 31, was riding his bike with his younger brother Matthew (pictured with his wife Madeline), 29, when the fatal crash occurred.
‘Johnny played with a joy that was felt by everyone who watched him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey with him wherever he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.
‘He thrilled fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on all who knew him.
‘Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him dearly and do everything we can to support his family and ourselves during this tragedy.
‘At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.’