The Gaudreau family has shared their heartbreak following the deaths of NHL star Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29.
On Thursday night, August 29, the two brothers lost their lives while cycling in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey. They were hit by a car driven by an alleged drunk driver, according to New Jersey State Police.
As detailed in a CBS News Philadelphia report, the brothers were riding along County Route 551 at approximately 8:00pm when they were struck by a jeep driven by Sean M Higgins. PEOPLE reports that Higgins has been arrested and faces two counts of death by auto. He allegedly admitted to police that he had consumed ‘five to six beers’ prior to the incident.
Tragically, Johnny and Matthew passed away just a day before their sister’s wedding, where they were to serve as groomsmen.
In response to the devastating news, the Gaudreau family, through Johnny and Matthew’s uncle Jim Gaudreau, issued a statement.
Jim Gaudreau expressed: “Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.
“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
“We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief. From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families).”
Johnny leaves behind his wife Meredith and their two young children, a one-year-old daughter Noa and a six-month-old son Johnny. The couple had been married since September 2021.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, where Johnny played, released a statement on Twitter earlier today: “The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.
“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could.
“The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.
“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.”