Katie Gaudreau shares late brothers Johnny and Matthew will celebrate more than anyone at her wedding
SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: In a poignant Instagram story, Katie Gaudreau recently shared a heartfelt tribute to her late brothers, envisioning them "dancing and celebrating" at her postponed wedding.
Originally planned for Friday, August 30, Katie's nuptials with fiance Devin Joyce were tragically disrupted when her brothers, NHL stars Johnny Gaudreau, 32, and Matthew, 29, were fatally struck by a suspected intoxicated driver just a day before the ceremony. This devastating accident not only led to the wedding being canceled but has also left their wives, relatives, and the NHL community, grappling with grief over the past few days.
Katie Gaudreau says her brothers ‘were so excited' for her wedding
On Tuesday, September, Katie Gaudreau took to Instagram Stories to pay a touching tribute to her late brothers, featuring a repost from her fiance Devin Joyce. The repost highlighted Joyce’s deep sense of loss for his soon-to-be brothers-in-law.
Katie wrote, “My brothers loved Devin more than he will ever know. They were so excited for us to get married,” before adding, “When the day comes they are going to be dancing and celebrating more than anyone.”
Simultaneously, Joyce honored Johnny and Matthew with a heartfelt post that included a cherished family photo. In his caption, he wrote, “They say when you find the one, you’re not just marrying them but their family too. I know I never said it but I loved you guys so much. I’m so lucky to have called you two my brothers for as long as I did.”
He further promised, “There is not a second that will go by I will not look at Katie and see both of you. I promise to take the absolute best care of your little sister and I know when the day comes you will be with us on that day.”
Internet heartbroken for Katie Gaudreau’s family
After hearing about the Gaudreau brothers' deaths, several internet users have extended their condolences to the family. On Facebook, many people expressed their shock and sorrow over the tragic loss just before Katie's wedding.
One user wrote, "I’m so sad for this whole family. It’s just so tragic and preventable."
Another user said, "I don’t even know this family, and the way my heart shatters for them and how this could have all been prevented is insane and gut wrenching."
One person penned, "So tragic, I can’t stop thinking about them and they’re not even my family."
Another added, "So sad Prayers to the family and friends 😇 😇 both brothers RIP."
One individual wrote, "We will all be celebrating along with you, Katie...We won't forget your big day...Whenever your wedding takes place...Hugs all around...❤❤."
Another commented, "So so sad for this whole family. god bless them and keep them in your arms."
One social media user questioned, "I just wonder why they were out that late cycling on such a dark road."
Another added, "Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family....."
Katie Gaudreau talks about death of her two brothers
View this post on Instagram
On Monday, September 2, Katie Gaudreau spoke about her brothers, who were killed by a driver while biking the evening before her wedding in an Instagram post. “To know these two was to love these two,” she wrote.
“There are absolutely no words I have to express the bond my family shared. The entire world knows there would never have been a John without Matty or Matty without John. The absolute best big brothers a little girl could have asked for,” she said.
Katie also shared cherished photos of the three siblings over the years, including moments from their childhood, with their parents and older sister, and celebrations such as her engagement and the weddings of Johnny and Matthew.
“This will never be a goodbye post because I will never stop saying your names and honoring you both,” she continued. “I’ll take the best care of mom, dad, Kristen, Mer, and Madeline, your babies.”
Matthew and Johnny, who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, were tragically killed around 8 pm on Thursday when a driver, suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, fatally struck them while they were biking in their hometown.
They were set to be groomsmen at Katie’s wedding the following day. New Jersey State Police identified the driver as Sean M Higgins, who has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto and is currently in jail.
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
