The brothers were supposed to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding
Katie Gaudreau’s wedding posts from earlier this week have taken on a whole new tragic meaning following the sudden passing of her brothers Johnny and Matthew.
A National Hockey League (NHL) star, Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were killed on Thursday night (August 29) while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
The pair were struck by a car being driven by an alleged drunk driver, according to the New Jersey State Police.
The brothers were meant to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding. (Instagram/ @kgaudreau13)
Further police reports from CBS News Philadelphia indicate that the brothers were riding their bikes along County Route 551 at around 8:00pm, when they were struck by a man driving a jeep.
The driver was identified as Sean M Higgins, and he has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, as per PEOPLE.
Higgins allegedly told police that he had ‘five to six beers’ before the incident. Adding to the tragedy, Johnny and Matthew died a day before their sister’s wedding where they were supposed to be groomsmen.
Johnny was 31-years-old at the time of his passing. (Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
Their sister, Katie Gaudreau and her fiancé, Devin Joyce, were meant to perform their nuptials on Friday (August 30) at the Parish of St. Mary in Gloucester City, New Jersey, as per PageSix.
The bride and groom to be evidently canceled the ceremony following the devastating news.
Just three days before her brothers passed, Katie posted pictures of her and her fiancé on Facebook with the caption: “Wedding Week!! Who’s telling these 16 and 17 year olds that they are getting married in 4 days. Can’t wait to marry my best friend!!!”
The couple have known each other since school.
Many fans have since posted their condolences in the comments of the post, with many describing how heartbreaking the situation is and offering condolences for the loss of her brothers.
Meanwhile, Katie had been posting her wedding celebrations on social media over the past month, sharing pictures from her bachelorette party in August and bridal shower in July.
The Gaudreau family released a statement earlier today that read: “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 humans.
“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
“We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief. From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families).”
Featured Image Credit: Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images / Instagram/ @kgaudreau13
