NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s sister’s heartbreaking posts before he was killed in bike accident a day before her wedding

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were just hours away from their sister marrying her high school sweetheart when they were fatally shot while riding their bicycles.

The duo tragically died while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, just before 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evening.

Earlier that day, Katie Gaudreau and her fiancé, Devin Joyce, had held their wedding rehearsal, eagerly anticipating their nuptials, which were scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. on Friday.

For months leading up to the big day, they had been sharing bits and pieces of their fairytale love story.

Johnny’s daughter Noa was supposed to be the flower girl for Katie and Devin’s wedding (pictured are Katie and Devin with Noa when she was born)

NHL star Johnny, 31, and his 29-year-old brother were both expected to be witnesses for the celebration.

They had known Devin since he was a teenager and in junior year, when Katie invited him to their school dance.

Johnny’s two-year-old daughter, Noa, would be the flower girl and his newborn son, Johnny, the ring bearer.

His wife Meredith was to serve as bridesmaid at the festive occasion.

Just three days ago, Katie shared her excitement for the big day on Facebook, posting a message that read: “Wedding week!!!”

‘Who tells these 16 and 17 year olds that they are getting married in 4 days. I can’t wait to marry my best friend!!!’

Instead of celebrating the happiest moment of her life with her brothers today at 1:45 p.m., she is now mourning the double tragedy with her family.

The two brothers were struck by another vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road, near Stumpy Lane.

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

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

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

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.

The hockey player’s wife gave birth to their son Johnny six months ago

‘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.

“After further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, was charged with two counts of homicide by vehicular homicide, and was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility. This crash remains an open investigation.”

Columbus released a statement Friday morning confirming the passing of their player, saying 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.”