Gaudreau family breaks silence after tragic death of NHL star Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29

The Gaudreau family have released a statement paying tribute to NHL star Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, after they were both killed by a drunk driver while out cycling on Thursday night. 

The tragic incident occurred just hours before the brothers were due to be groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding in Philadelphia, and police arrested Sean M Higgins at the scene, who admitted to having drunk '5-6 beers'.

Now the family has broken its statement with some words from their uncle Jim, who said: '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 humans.

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

'We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief. From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families)'

Johnny Gaudreau (left, with wife Meredith at their wedding in 2021) was killed on Thursday

Johnny, an NHL veteran, had spent the last two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets 

Matthew (left) and Johnny (right) both plied their trade on the ice at Boston College

Their uncle Jim (pictured at All-Star Weekend in 2022) released a statement from the family

Johnny leaves behind wife Meredith, whom he married in September 2021, and two young children in one-year-old daughter Noa and baby boy Johnny, who was born just six months ago.

TMZ also later revealed that Matthew's wife Meredith is expecting to deliver the couple's first child in just a few months, with a due date of December 31.

It is believed Meredith was due to be a maid of honor at her sister-in-law's wedding on Friday afternoon. It is unclear whether the wedding is going ahead.

Matthew, meanwhile, leaves behind wife Madeline just over three years on from their wedding in New Jersey.

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.

Higgins is accused of being intoxicated when he collided with Gaudreau and his brother

Johnny and wife Meredith had two children together, welcoming daughter Noa first in October 2022

'Based on a preliminary investigation, two pedalcyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old male from Carneys Point, N.J., and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old male from Pedricktown, N.J., were traveling north on County Route 551, close to the fog line of the roadway,' the statement reads.

'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.

Johnny, a 31-year-old NHL veteran who had spent the last two seasons with the Blue Jackets, was cycling with younger sibling Matthew, 29, on the eve of their sister Katie's wedding when the fatal crash occurred (Pictured: Gaudreau with wife Meredith and their two children)

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

'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, and no additional information is available.'

Columbus released a statement confirming their player's passing on Friday morning, admitting 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.'

The two brothers were struck and killed by another vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane 

New Jersey State Police Troopers confirmed they responded to a crash at 8:19 pm

Gaudreau, 31, was out cycling with younger brother Matthew (pictured with wife Madeline), 29, when the fatal crash occurred

'Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.

'He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.

'Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.

'At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.'