The Gaudreau family breaks their silence on the tragic death of NHL star Johnny and his brother Matthew the day before their sister's wedding

The Gaudreau family has spoken out about the deaths of the 31-year-old National Hockey League (NHL) star and his 29-year-old brother Matthew.

On Thursday evening (August 29), the two brothers were killed while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey. They were struck by a car driven by a suspected drunk driver, New Jersey State Police confirmed.

According to police reports obtained by CBS News Philadelphia, the two were riding their bicycles on County Route 551 around 8 p.m. when they were struck by a man in a Jeep. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was arrested and charged with two counts of negligent homicide, reports PEOPLE. Higgins reportedly told police he had drunk “five to six beers” before the incident.

Johnny and Matthew died one day before their sister's planned wedding, where they were supposed to serve as witnesses.

The Gaudreau family has spoken out about the tragic news; Johnny and Matthew's uncle Jim Gaudreau released a statement.

The couple's uncle released a statement on behalf of the family. (Instagram/ @johngaudreau03)

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 people.

“We want to let everyone know that we receive your messages of love and support and that we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.

“We continue to ask for your respect and privacy during this very difficult time of grief. From all of our families and from the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce families).”

Matthew was also a hockey player. (Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)

Johnny leaves behind his wife Meredith and their two children, one-year-old daughter Noa and six-month-old son Johnny. The couple married in September 2021.

The NHL athlete formerly played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and released a statement on Twitter today, saying: “The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but most importantly, a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Meredith, his children Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.

Johnny formerly played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. (Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

“Johnny played the game with great joy that was evident to everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey no matter where he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He excited fans in a way that only Johnny Hockey could.

“He had a profound impact on our organization and our sport, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he left on all who knew him.”

“Johnny captured our community's heart when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and will do everything we can to support his family and each other during this tragedy.”