Johnny Gaudreau's family issues heartbreaking statement as they mourn loss of 'truly two amazing humans'

SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: The family of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau shared a heartbreaking statement on Friday, August 30.

The Gaudreau brothers were tragically killed in an accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding on Thursday, August 29.

Johnny Gaudreau's family says they are going through 'very difficult period of grief'

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were riding their bicycles on County Route 551 North when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver, Sean Higgins.

Higgins was suspected of being under the influence shortly after 8 pm. The brothers were declared deceased at the scene.

Following the devastating accident, Jim Gaudreau, the brothers’ uncle, released a statement on behalf of the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello, and Joyce families. In the statement, the family expressed their grief and loss.

"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," the statement read.

The statement also conveyed the family’s gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time.

"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 concluded, signed "from all our families and the bottom of our hearts."

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were set to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding in Philadelphia.

Both the brothers played hockey at Boston College and Matthew was coaching at their alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School, at the time of their tragic death.

According to the New Jersey State Police, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling when 43-year-old Sean Higgins, driving in the same direction, attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind.

Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was charged with two counts of death by auto. He was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on August 30

Rumors of the brothers' deaths began circulating on social media late Thursday night, August 29, and the Columbus Blue Jackets confirmed the tragic news on Friday morning, August 30.

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend," the team said. 

"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew," the team added in the statement