Gaudreau family breaks silence after tragic death of NHL star Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29

The Gaudreau family has released a statement paying tribute to NHL star Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, after they were both killed by a drunk driver while riding their bikes on Thursday night.

The tragic incident occurred just hours before the brothers were to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding in Philadelphia. Police arrested Sean M. Higgins at the scene, who admitted to drinking “5-6 beers.”

Now the family has broken their statement with the words of Jim, who said, “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 great people.

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

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

Johnny, an NHL veteran, played the past two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets

Matthew (left) and Johnny (right) both plied their trade on the ice at Boston College

Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith, whom he married in September 2021, and two young children: one-year-old daughter Noa and son Johnny, who was born just six months ago.

Meredith is believed to be a bridesmaid at her sister-in-law’s wedding on Friday afternoon. It is unclear whether the wedding will go ahead.

Matthew, meanwhile, leaves behind his wife Madeline, more than three years after their wedding in New Jersey.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, New Jersey State Police troopers confirmed they responded to a vehicle crash on County Route 551 North, mile marker 11.1 Oldmans Township, Salem County at 8:19 p.m.

Johnny and his wife Meredith had two children together, first welcoming daughter Noa in October 2022

“Based on a preliminary investigation, two bicyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old male from Carneys Point, NJ, and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old male from Pedricktown, NJ, were traveling north on County Route 551 near the fog line of the road,” the statement said.

‘Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, NJ, was traveling northbound on CR 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and SUV. Higgins attempted to pass the slower moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lanes, passed the slower moving sedan, and attempted to reenter the northbound lanes when the SUV in front of Higgins pulled into the center of the roadway, separating the northbound and southbound lanes to safely pass two bicyclists traveling northbound on the right side of the roadway.

‘Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two cyclists from behind. As a result of the collision, the two cyclists were fatally injured.

Johnny, a 31-year NHL veteran who spent the last two seasons with the Blue Jackets, was riding his bike with his younger brother Matthew, 29, the night before their sister Katie’s wedding when the fatal accident occurred (Pictured: Gaudreau with his wife Meredith and their two children)

The driver – 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey (pictured) – is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He has been charged with two counts of manslaughter in a traffic accident without bail or bail

“After further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, was charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle, and was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility. This crash remains an ongoing investigation and no additional information is available.”

Columbus released a statement Friday morning confirming the passing of their player, admitting that they will “miss him deeply” and offering their condolences to his family.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the statement said. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their families and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”

The two brothers were struck and killed by another vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane

New Jersey State Police officers confirmed they responded to a crash at 8:19 p.m.

Gaudreau, 31, was cycling with his younger brother Matthew (pictured with his wife Madeline), 29, when the fatal accident occurred

“Johnny played the game with a passion that was evident to everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey to everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.

“He made fans happy in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was immense, 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 will do everything we can to support his family and each other during this tragedy.

“We ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”