The sudden and tragic deaths of NHL veteran Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in a DUI-related accident have devastated their family and cast a shadow over their sister's planned wedding ceremony.
The shocking and heart-wrenching news of the Gaudreau brothers' untimely demise has left their loved ones in a state of profound grief and disbelief. Just as their sister Katie Gaudreau and her fiancé, Devin Joyce, were preparing to embark on the joyous celebration of their marriage, tragedy struck, shattering their dreams.
According to a source close to the family, the wedding, which was scheduled to take place at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City, New Jersey, with a reception in Philadelphia, has been regrettably canceled in the wake of this devastating loss.
Tragedy Strikes: Gaudreau Brothers Killed in DUI Crash, Sister's Wedding Canceled
The family statement, released amidst their immeasurable sorrow, eloquently captured the magnitude of their despair: "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."
Katie's wedding website had earlier revealed that both Gaudreau brothers and their wives were to have been part of the bridal party, reflecting the deep bond that united them. However, fate had a cruel twist in store, robbing the family of two cherished souls.
Tragedy Strikes: Gaudreau Brothers Killed in DUI Crash, Sister's Wedding Canceled
Sean Higgins, 43, the suspected drunk driver responsible for the fatal crash, faces charges and remains in custody. According to New Jersey State Police, he attempted to overtake two vehicles before striking the Gaudreau brothers from behind. Field sobriety tests and the suspect's own admission of consuming alcohol substantiated the suspicion of intoxication.
Higgins made a virtual court appearance on Friday, with prosecutors seeking his detention, which the judge granted. The detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday, with Higgins facing a minimum of 72 hours in custody due to a motion filed. The holiday weekend further extends his remand until Thursday, September 5.
Tragedy Strikes: Gaudreau Brothers Killed in DUI Crash, Sister's Wedding Canceled
Johnny Gaudreau, who had returned to his New Jersey roots for his sister's wedding, was in the third year of a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He leaves behind his wife Meredith and their two children, 2-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny. Matthew Gaudreau, 29, is survived by his wife Madeline.
The outpouring of condolences and support from the hockey community and beyond has been a source of solace for the grieving family. Johnny Gaudreau's former teams, the Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators, expressed their profound sorrow, while NHL commissioner Gary Bettman extended his deepest sympathies.
Tragedy Strikes: Gaudreau Brothers Killed in DUI Crash, Sister's Wedding Canceled
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
