Family of Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew breaks their silence after tragic deaths: “Truly two amazing people”

The family of Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew broke their silence on Friday after the siblings were fatally struck by a suspected drunk driver in New Jersey – remembering them as “truly two amazing people.”

“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two amazing people,” her father, Jim Gaudreau, said in a statement to news station WBZ-TV.

“We want everyone to know that we receive 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 time of grief,” the statement continued.

The tragic incident occurred just one day before the brothers were scheduled to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce in Gloucester City, New Jersey.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also recalled Gaudreau’s “infectious” spirit in a statement on Friday.

“Johnny's infectious playmaking skills and breathtaking skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' but he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a loving father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path,” said Bettman.

The team announced the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on Friday morning on X.

According to police, the brothers were killed when they were struck by a car while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, around 8 p.m. Thursday in an alleged drunken incident.

The suspected drunk driver was 43-year-old Sean Higgins of Woodstown, who was charged with two counts of negligent homicide in connection with the devastating accident.

In his mug shot after the incident, Higgins had glassy eyes while traveling north in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and an SUV, New Jersey State Police said.

He tried to overtake the slower-moving cars by moving into the southbound lane, authorities said.

Higgins then overtook the sedan and attempted to return to the northbound lane when the SUV in front of him moved into the center of the lane to safely overtake the cyclists on the right side of the road.

He then tried to pass the SUV on the right and drove into the brothers from behind, police said.

The police officer who arrived at the scene noticed a “strong smell of alcohol,” according to the police affidavit.

Higgins allegedly told the police officer that he had drunk “five to six beers” before the fatal accident.

Gaudreau, who was born in Salem, New Jersey, played 11 seasons for the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames in the NHL. Last season, he appeared in 81 games and scored 48 points.

Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29.

Gaudreau leaves behind his wife Meredith and his two children Noa (1) and Johnny (6 months).