Family of Columbus Blue Jackets Forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau released the heartbreaking statement on Friday, just hours after news broke that the two brothers were tragically killed in New Jersey after being hit by a suspected drunk driver on the eve of their sister's wedding.
After the brothers were confirmed dead while riding their bicycles on a rural road in Oldmans Township, their uncle, Jim Gaudreau, released a statement on behalf of the Gaudreau, Morris, Kolbitz, Venero and Joyce families. New Jersey Around 8:30pm on Thursday.
Calgary Flames left winger Johnny Gaudreau celebrates a goal over Minnesota Wild goaltender Cam Talbot during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, April 28, 2022, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (AP Photo/Craig Russig, File)
“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. Two truly amazing human beings.” Read the statement.
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“We want everyone to know that we receive your messages of love and support. We thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for continued respect and privacy during this very difficult time of grief.”
The statement was signed “with deepest hearts and our entire family.”
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister's wedding in Philadelphia on Friday.
Boston College Eagles brothers Johnny Gaudreau (number 13) and Matthew Gaudreau (number 21) celebrate after the Eagles defeated the Northeastern University Huskies to win their fifth consecutive NCAA hockey Beanpot championship in the finals of the annual Beanpot hockey tournament at TD Garden on February 10, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Richard T. Gagnon/Getty Images)
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau's brother dies in bicycle accident after being hit by suspected drunk driver in New Jersey
According to New Jersey State Police, the Gaudreau brothers were riding their bicycles along the road when 43-year-old Shawn Higgins, driving in the same direction, struck them from behind while attempting to pass two other vehicles. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, Higgins Under the influence of alcohol He was charged with two counts of causing death by motor vehicle and was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press, Higgins failed field sobriety tests and admitted to responding officers that he had had five or six beers before the crash and that he was driving under the influence.
Sean Higgins, 43, was charged with DUI and two counts of causing death by motor vehicle and was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility. (Salem County Correctional Facility)
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The sports world mourned the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, not just as hockey players, but for the impact they had on the lives of those they knew.
“I am devastated and heartbroken by the news of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's deaths,” the ex-wife said. Boston College Head coach Jerry York, who coached both Gaudreau brothers, said in a statement provided by the school.
“Not only were they great hockey players, they were outstanding young men. They represented their family and Boston University with the utmost integrity. Please keep the Gaudreau family in your prayers during this tragic and unspeakable time.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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