The Gaudreau family has spoken out following the passing of National Hockey League (NHL) star Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29.
On Thursday night (August 29), the two brothers were killed while they were out riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey. They were struck by a car being driven by an alleged drunk driver, New Jersey State Police confirmed.
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Per police reports from CBS News Philadelphia, the pair were riding their bikes along County Route 551 at around 8:00pm when they were struck by a man driving a jeep. The driver, Sean M Higgins, has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, PEOPLE reports. Higgins allegedly told police he had had 'five to six beers' before the incident.
Johnny and Matthew passed away a day before their sister's wedding was set to take place, where they were expected to be taking on the role of groomsmen.
The Gaudreau family has since spoken out following the tragic news, with Johnny and Matthew's uncle, Jim Gaudreau, releasing a statement.
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He shared: "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)."
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Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith and their two children, one-year-old daughter Noa and their six-month-old son Johnny. The couple married in September 2021.
The NHL athlete used to play for the Columbus Blue Jackets who released a statement on Twitter earlier today that read, "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.
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"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."
Yasmeen Hamadeh