Johnny Gaudreau’s wife has honored her late husband after the NHL star and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed in an alleged drunk driving collision.
Johnny, 31, and 29-year-old brother Matthew had been cycling through Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday evening (August 29).
Just hours before, they had attended a wedding rehearsal in preparation for their sister, Katie Gaudreau, marrying hockey player Devin Joyce the following day.
Both Johnny and Matthew were set to be groomsmen in the ceremony.
However, the brothers were reported struck from behind by an alleged drunk driver by the name of Sean Higgins.
New Jersey State Police tells PEOPLE that Higgins had attempted to pass an SUV that had moved into the middle of the road in order to give the Gaudreau brothers a safe distance.
Higgins, 43, has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and two children one-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny. And Matthew leaves behind his wife, Madeline, who is currently pregnant with their first child, Tripp.
Taking to Instagram, Johnny’s wife Meredith penned a touching tribute to her late husband, sharing a carousel of family photos.
She wrote: “The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with.
“John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him.
“We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy.”
The wider Gaudreau family has also issued a statement via the brothers’ uncle, Jim.
Making the statement via WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche, the family says reads: “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.”
The statement was signed “from all our families and the bottom of our hearts the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families.”
A verified GoFundMe page has also since been set up to support Madeline and her unborn baby, whose name will be Tripp and is reportedly due in December.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the Gaudreau family and the brothers’ loved ones at this time.
Featured image credit: Instagram/@johngaudreau03
August 31, 24
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Johnny Gaudreau’s wife shares emotional tribute after NHL star and brother were killed in alleged drunk driving collision
By stefan armitage
Johnny Gaudreau’s wife has honored her late husband after the NHL star and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed in an alleged drunk driving collision.
Johnny, 31, and 29-year-old brother Matthew had been cycling through Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday evening (August 29).
Just hours before, they had attended a wedding rehearsal in preparation for their sister, Katie Gaudreau, marrying hockey player Devin Joyce the following day.
Both Johnny and Matthew were set to be groomsmen in the ceremony.
However, the brothers were reported struck from behind by an alleged drunk driver by the name of Sean Higgins.
New Jersey State Police tells PEOPLE that Higgins had attempted to pass an SUV that had moved into the middle of the road in order to give the Gaudreau brothers a safe distance.
Higgins, 43, has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and two children one-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny. And Matthew leaves behind his wife, Madeline, who is currently pregnant with their first child, Tripp.
Taking to Instagram, Johnny’s wife Meredith penned a touching tribute to her late husband, sharing a carousel of family photos.
She wrote: “The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with.
“John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him.
“We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy.”
The wider Gaudreau family has also issued a statement via the brothers’ uncle, Jim.
Making the statement via WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche, the family says reads: “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.”
The statement was signed “from all our families and the bottom of our hearts the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families.”
A verified GoFundMe page has also since been set up to support Madeline and her unborn baby, whose name will be Tripp and is reportedly due in December.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the Gaudreau family and the brothers’ loved ones at this time.
Featured image credit: Instagram/@johngaudreau03
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Alleged drunk driver charged over the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau lets out sigh after hearing judge’s decision
By stefan armitage
The man charged following the tragic deaths of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau has made his first appearance in Salem County Court.
Sean Higgins, 43, has been charged with two counts of death by auto, per state police, after he is accused fatally colliding with the Gaudreau brothers on Thursday (August 29).
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, had been cycling through Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey — just hours after they had attended a wedding rehearsal for their sister, Katie Gaudreau.
Both brothers were set to be groomsmen as Katie married hockey player Devin Joyce the following day. Due to the tragedy, the ceremony was canceled.
The New York Post reports that Higgins told police that he had consumed “five to six beers” before the fatal crash.
On Friday, Higgins appeared for the first time in Salem County Court – where his reaction to the judge’s ruling has angered social media users.
In footage from the hearing, Judge Michael J. Silvanio can be heard telling Higgins that he was to remain held behind bars until his next detention hearing on September 5.
In response, Higgins asks Judge Silvanio: “So… I’m here until Thursday?”
The judge then explains to Higgins that his stay has been extended as a result of the holiday weekend – to which, Higgins sits back in his chair and appears to let out a sigh.
When asked if he had any other questions, he responded: “Not at this time, your honor.”
Some social media users said Higgins’ behavior showed a “complete and utter disregard” for the loss of life caused by the tragedy.
Higgins is facing two counts of two counts of death by auto.
Following the tragedy, the Gaudreau family has issued a statement.
Issuing the statement through the brother’s uncle, Jim, to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche, they say: “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.”
The statement was signed “from all our families and the bottom of our hearts the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families.”
A verified GoFundMe page has since been set up to support Madeline and her unborn baby, whose name will be Tripp and is reportedly due in December.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the Gaudreau family and the brothers’ loved ones at this time.
