Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s family speaks out after hockey players’ tragic deaths: ‘Very difficult period of grief’

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s family released a statement about their heartbreaking deaths just one day after the two were killed by a suspected drunk driver.

“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 human beings,” the statement, shared by their uncle Jim on behalf of the family, read.

“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers,” it continued.

The family of Johnny Gaudreau, pictured on the right, and Matthew Gaudreau, left, spoke out about their tragic deaths on Friday. Getty Images The statement was shared on X by their uncle Jim on behalf of the entire family. RochieWBZ/X

“We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief.”

The statement was signed by the Gaudreau family as well as the families of their loved ones.

Johnny, who played in the NHL for the Columbus Blue Jackets, is survived by his wife, Meredith Gaudreau, and their children Noa, 1, and Johnny, 6 months. 

The entire Gaudreau asked for privacy during this “very difficult period of grief.” Instagram / @mattygaudreau11 The brothers were killed on the eve of their sister Katie’s (second from left) wedding. Instagram / @mattygaudreau11

Matthew, for his part, wed wife Madeline Gaudreau in 2021.

Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were fatally struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday while on a bike ride.

The brothers were back in their native New Jersey for their sister Katie’s wedding, which was scheduled for 1:45 p.m. Friday. It has since been canceled.

Matthew, center, is survived by wife Madeline, second from left. Instagram / @kgaudreau13 Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith. @johngaudreau03/Instagram

Both Johnny and Matthew were supposed to be groomsmen for Katie’s fiancé, Devin Joyce.

The brothers seemingly went on a bike ride shortly after finishing up the rehearsal on Thursday.

However, Police said 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins struck the two while attempting to pass a slow-moving vehicle in front of him, which had reportedly moved into the middle of the roadway to pass the brothers safely.

Johnny and Meredith share daughter Noa, 1, and son Johnny, 6 months.  @meredithgaudreau_/Instagram Sean Higgins, seen above, was arrested for vehicular homicide. New Jersey State Police

While trying to pass the SUV on the right, Higgins hit Matthew and Johnny from behind.

Police claim they detected a “strong odor” of alcohol on Higgins’ breath and he reportedly failed a sobriety test. He also admitted to having five or six beers that night, per police.

Higgins was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.