Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were just hours away from standing by their baby sister’s side as she married her high school sweetheart when they were fatally struck while riding their bikes.
The duo were tragically killed while cycling in Oldmans Township, Salem County, just before 8:30pm on Thursday night.
Earlier that day, Katie Gaudreau and her fiance, Devin Joyce, had their wedding rehearsal, eagerly anticipating their nuptials, which were due to begin at 1.45pm on Friday.
They’d been sharing snippets of their fairytale love story for months in the lead up to the big day.
Johnny and brother Matthew were killed on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding to partner Devin Joyce (Pictured: Katie and Devin rehearsing for their wedding)
Johnny’s daughter Noa was going to be a flower girl for Katie and Devin’s wedding (pictured, Katie and Devin with Noa when she was born)
NHL star Johnny, 31, and his 29-year-old brother were both going to be groomsmen for the celebration.
They’d known Devin since he was a teenager and in junior year, when Katie asked him to their school dance.
Johnny’s two-year-old daughter, Noa, was going to be flower girl, and his newborn son, Johnny, ringbearer.
His wife Meredith was going to be Maid of Honor for the happy occasion.
Just three days ago, Katie shared her excitement ahead of the big day on Facebook, with a post which read: ‘Wedding Week!!!
‘Who’s telling these 16 and 17 year olds that they are getting married in 4 days. Can’t wait to marry my best friend!!!’
Instead of celebrating the happiest moment of her life alongside her brothers at 1.45pm today as scheduled, she and her family are now grieving the double-tragedy.
The two brothers were struck and killed by another vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane.
Matthew (left) and Johnny (right) both plied their trade on the ice at Boston College
The driver – 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey (pictured) – is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide with no bail or bond
The driver – 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey – is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide with no bail or bond.
In a statement to DailyMail.com, New Jersey State Police Troopers confirmed they responded to a motor vehicle crash at 8:19 pm. on County Route 551 North, milepost 11.1 Oldmans Township, Salem County.
The hockey player’s wife then gave birth to their baby son Johnny just six months ago
‘Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old male from Woodstown, N.J., was traveling north on CR 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and SUV. Higgins attempted to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lanes of travel, passed the slower-moving sedan, and attempted to re-enter the northbound lanes of travel when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass the two pedalcyclist traveling north on the right side of the roadway.
‘Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two pedalcyclists in the rear. As a result of the collision, the two pedalcyclists sustained fatal injuries.
‘Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, charged with two counts of death by auto, and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility. This crash remains an active investigation.’
Columbus released a statement confirming their player’s death on Friday morning, saying they will ‘miss him terribly’ while expressing their sympathy for his family.
‘The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,’ the statement reads.
‘Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. 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.’
