Following the tragic deaths of Columbus Blue Jackers star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, the family released a statement on Friday.
“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers … two friends, but truly two amazing humans,” Jim Gaudreau, uncle to both Johnny and Matthew, said in a statement, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.
New Jersey State police said the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when a man driving an SUV in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead on the scene.
Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was jailed at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
Johnny, often referred to as “Johnny Hockey” by fans, played 11 NHL seasons and was set to enter his third with the Blue Jackets after spending the first nine years of his career with the Calgary Flames.
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were natives of New Jersey and were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding on Friday in Philadelphia.
“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages and love and support,” Jim continued. “We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued privacy during this very difficult period of grief.”
— with files from the Associated Press
The Gaudreau family, well-known in their community for their philanthropic efforts and dedication to helping others, has issued a statement following a tragic event that has left them reeling. The family, consisting of parents John and Sarah Gaudreau and their three children, have been left devastated by the loss of their eldest son, Michael, in a car accident last week.
In their statement, the Gaudreau family expressed their deep sorrow and grief over the loss of Michael, who was a beloved member of their family and a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him. They described him as kind, compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
The family also thanked the community for their outpouring of support and love during this difficult time. They expressed their gratitude for the prayers, messages of condolence, and acts of kindness that have been extended to them in the wake of their loss.
Despite their grief, the Gaudreau family remains committed to carrying on Michael’s legacy of kindness and generosity. They have announced plans to establish a scholarship fund in his memory, which will support students in need who are pursuing higher education.
In closing, the Gaudreau family asked for privacy as they continue to grieve and come to terms with their loss. They expressed their hope that Michael’s memory will live on through the scholarship fund and the positive impact he had on those around him.
The tragic event has left the community in shock and mourning, but the Gaudreau family’s strength and resilience in the face of such a devastating loss serves as an inspiration to all who know them. Their commitment to honoring Michael’s memory and continuing his legacy of kindness is a testament to the love and bond that holds their family together during this difficult time.