Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

  • Prof. Verlie Monahan V
  • August 31, 2024 05:03am
  • 365

The wedding of Katie Gaudreau, sister of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, has been canceled after the tragic deaths of her brothers, Johnny and Matthew, who were killed while bicycling by a suspected drunk driver.

The Gaudreau family has been struck by an unimaginable tragedy after the beloved brothers, NHL veteran Johnny Gaudreau and former Boston College hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, were killed Thursday night while bicycling in New Jersey.

The heart-wrenching news sent shockwaves through the hockey community and beyond, leaving behind a void in the lives of their loved ones and fans alike. Katie Gaudreau, the sister of the victims, was preparing to marry her fiancé, Devin Joyce, on Friday at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City, New Jersey, with a reception planned in Philadelphia.

Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

However, the joyous occasion was shattered by the devastating loss, forcing the couple to cancel their wedding. A source confirmed the cancellation to Page Six, as the family grapples with their immeasurable grief.

According to reports, the Gaudreau brothers were struck from behind by Sean Higgins, 43, who has since been arrested and charged. Higgins allegedly attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck the Gaudreau brothers while under the influence of alcohol.

Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

Higgins confessed to drinking five or six beers before the accident and admitted to a responding officer that he had consumed alcohol while driving. He failed a field sobriety test and appeared virtually before a judge on Friday. Prosecutors requested his detention, and the judge agreed, setting a detention hearing for Thursday.

"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brother-in-laws, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans," read a statement released by the heartbroken family.

Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

Katie and Devin's wedding website had listed both Gaudreau brothers and their wives as members of the bridal party. The tragic events have left an irreplaceable void in the family and the lives of all who knew Johnny and Matthew.

Johnny Gaudreau, 27, was entering the third year of his seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their two young children, 2-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny Jr. Matthew Gaudreau, 29, is survived by his wife, Madeline.

Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

Tragedy Strikes Gaudreau Family as Brothers Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this Post:

Leave a comment

0 Comments

Chưa có bình luận nào

Related articles