Katie Gaudreau, Johnny Gaudreau, and Matthew Gaudreau’s sister was left heartbroken and had to cancel her wedding after her brothers were k*lled in an accident.
Key Takeaways
- John Michael Gaudreau is an American professional ice hockey player.
- Matthew Gaudreau is also an American ice hockey player.
- The brothers passed away after a big hit by a vehicle prior to their sister’s wedding.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Demise Left Sister Heartbroken
Johnny and his brother Matthew lost their lives in an unforeseen accident just before their sister’s wedding reception.
According to a family member, the pair were supposed to be the groomsmen on their sibling’s big day.
Katie Gaudreau had no choice but to cancel her wedding that was going to take place in Philadelphia on Friday.
Katie and her fiance Devin Joyce were planning to marry at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City, New Jersey, on Friday.
Similarly, Johnny returned to his hometown of New Jersey after entering the third year of a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It had also been reported to Page Six that the accident had been caused due to drunk driving. The brothers were both on their bicycles when they got hit.
As per Katie and Devin’s wedding website, both her brothers were supposed to be at the bridal party with their wives.
The culprit, Sean Higgins, aged 43, has been arrested and charged with trying to pass two other vehicles in a drunken state and hitting the bicycles from behind by the New Jersey State Police.
He failed the sobriety test and admitted to having drunk 5 to 6 bottles of beer the same day before the accident.
The judge had announced his detention hearing on Thursday after the prosecutors’ request.
Due to the motion, the judge will hold Higgins for 72 hours. At the earliest, he will have his hearing in court on September 5, 2024.
Family Statement On Gaudreau Brother’s Tragedy
The Gaudreau family has made statements about the tragic demise of their most valued members.
A grieving member wrote,
“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.”
Via Fox News
However, they had not directly confirmed the departure of the two.
Both brothers were there at a sister’s wedding event before their accident.
The website of Katie’s wedding also mentioned that guests were prepared to fly to Philadelphia by 7:30 p.m.
Likewise, the accident took place at 8:19 pm.
At the time of their passing, Johnny was only 31, and Matthew was only 29.
Johnny has a wife, Meredith, and two children, 2-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny.
Matthew leaves behind his wife, Madeline.
Johnny Gaudreau Leaves Legacy
Johnny has left a legacy in American hockey history. Though he passed away at a very young age, he performed impressively throughout his career.
He had been active for the NCAA Division I’s Boston College Eagles from years 2011 to 2014.
Additionally, he had also been selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
After winning the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the NCAA in 2014, he received the nickname “Johnny Hockey.”
Gaudreau was given the title of NHL’s best rookie after being nominated for a Calder Memorial Trophy.
He also won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s most gentlemanly player for the 2016–17 season.
Before he succumbed to the tragedy, he was under contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he had already spent two seasons. He signed the third contract in 2022.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Johnny and Matthew have a second sister, Kristen Venello.
- The Gaudreau brothers share mixed Italian and Irish background.
- Their family belongs to Salem, New Jersey.
