Johnny Gaudreau was supposed to attend sister’s wedding on Friday
He and his brother were tragically killed hours before the ceremony.
Earlier on Friday, the NHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets shared the devastating news that forward Johnny Gaudreau his brother, 29-year-old Matthew Gaudreau died in a tragic accident. The Gaudreaus were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Salem County, New Jersey, police said. Both brothers died from their injuries.
The news is already terrible, but details keep piling up to make it worse. Not only were Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau killed by an idiot who got behind a wheel under the influence, it was reported that they were in town to attend a very special day for the entire family.
Both brothers were supposed to serve as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday.
Johnny was set to be the ring bearer in the ceremony. Both brothers were set to be groomsmen. TMZ has reported that the 1:45 p.m. ceremony at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City was canceled in light of the tragedy.
The Gaudreaus were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Salem County, New Jersey, police said. They were riding their bikes north on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township on Thursday at 8:19 p.m. At the same time, Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee north on County Route 551, according to investigators. He was under the influence and struck the brothers as he attempted to pass vehicles, splitting the north and south lanes in order to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers as they rode their bikes on the right side of the road. Higgins then tried to pass the SUV and struck the Gaudreau brothers. He has been charged with two counts of death by auto and is currently lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.
The NHL confirmed the tragic news Friday morning.
Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, his two young children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, Guy and Jane, and his sisters Kristen and Katie.
Both men’s lives were cut way too short. Our love and prayers go out to the entire family.
