Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith posts a tribute to her husband on social media after his death

Johnny Gaudreau's wife released a statement on social media following her husband's tragic death. Meredith Gaudreau wrote a tribute to her husband in an Instagram post on Saturday, along with several photos of their family.

The NHL star and his brother Matthew were killed on Thursday evening when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in rural Salem County, New Jersey.

Gaudreau then posted another post of her husband with their children and called him “the absolute best father in the world.”

Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were in New Jersey to attend their sister's wedding, which was scheduled to take place on Friday. The brothers were to serve as best men, while their other sister was to be the maid of honor.

According to police, Gaudreau and his brother were struck by an SUV while attempting to pass two other vehicles. The driver of the SUV, Sean Higgins, reportedly had a “strong odor of alcohol” on his breath and reportedly failed a breathalyzer test at the scene of the accident. He has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and is being held at the Salem County Correctional Facility while the accident is investigated.

Johnny Gaudreau played 11 seasons in the NHL, nine with the Calgary Flames and the last two with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was a seven-time All-Star and won the 2017 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which goes to the player who displays “the best kind of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high level of playing ability.”