Star hockey player and brother killed by suspected drunk driver on the eve of his sister's wedding

Gaudreau, affectionately known throughout the NHL as “Johnny Hockey,” was a seven-time NHL All-Star who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was riding his bike with his brother on a country road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, just after 8 p.m. on Aug. 29. Sean Higgins, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, was stuck in traffic around the same time, attempting to pass two vehicles, when he struck and killed the Gaudreau brothers, according to reports.

Both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were pronounced dead at the scene.

New Jersey State Police, who investigated the crash, charged Higgins with two counts of second-degree manslaughter. Higgins admitted to drinking five or six beers before the crash, according to an affidavit filed Friday in Salem County Superior Court, several media outlets reported. In less than 24 hours, they would have been best men at her sister's wedding in Philadelphia.

“Mr. Higgins specifically stated that his alcohol consumption contributed to his impatience and reckless driving which resulted in the car accident,” the affidavit states.

“Further investigation revealed that Higgins was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol,” said Sergeant Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police in a press release.

Johnny leaves behind his wife Meredith and two young children, a daughter due in 2022 and a son due in February 2024. Matthew leaves behind his pregnant wife Madeline. The couple announced in June this year that they were expecting their first child.

Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau posted some memories and statements on Instagram over the weekend in honor of the brothers.

“John and Matty. You don't hear one name without the other,” Meredith Gaudreau posted under photos of her late husband and brother-in-law. “Always side by side. Even in large groups you'll find them side by side. John's younger brother – but he looked up to Matty and relied on him for everything. And Matty was always there. Despite having completely opposite personalities, they were each other's absolute best friends and biggest fans. Everyone wanted to be around them, including me.”

“I am at a loss for words. I just miss you,” Madeline wrote in an Instagram post on August 31. “I don't know my life without you. I have never known pain like this. I am so happy that you chose me to be your wife… that you love me. You are the best thing about me. I know you are looking down with as much pain as I am looking up. I will keep going for you and our son. I love you so much Matthew.”

Katie Gaudreau, the bride-to-be and younger sister of Johnny and Matthew, also posted a post on Instagram on Monday in honor of her brothers.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“To know these two was to love these two,” she posted on Instagram alongside photos of her family. “I don't have the words to express the bond my family had. The whole world knows that without Matty there would never have been a John and without John there would have never been a Matty. The absolute best big brothers a little girl could have asked for. This will never be a goodbye post because I will never stop saying your names and honoring you both. I will take the best care of Mommy, Daddy, Kristen, Mer, Madeline and your babies.”

Several professional sports teams that had games over the weekend held moments of silence for the Gaudreau brothers. These included the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer.