The family of National Hockey League (NHL) star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau have spoken out following the tragic deaths of the two men.
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were killed on Thursday evening (August 29) while cycling in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
New Jersey State Police have confirmed that they were struck by an alleged drunk driver.
The man - Sean Higgins - behind the wheel of the car reportedly attempted to pass another vehicle and fatally hit both brothers, New Jersey State Police told PEOPLE. The SUV Higgins was attempting to pass had reportedly moved into the middle of the road in order to give the Gaudreau brothers plenty of room.
Higgins has since been jailed and charged with two counts two counts of death by auto.
The brothers' heartbreaking deaths came just one day before they were set to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding - as Katie Gaudreau prepared to marry hockey player Devin Joyce in Gloucester City, NJ.
Just hours before the tragedy, the family had hosted a wedding rehearsal.
The ceremony was canceled.
Now, a statement has been released by the brothers' uncle, Jim, on behalf of the Gaudreau family and loved ones.
Issuing the statement to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche, it reads: "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."
The statement was signed "from all our families and the bottom of our hearts the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families."
The New York Post reports that Higgins told police that he had consumed "five to six beers" before the fatal crash.
Both of the Gaudreau brothers were hockey players, with Johnny playing for the Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames across 11 seasons in the NHL. He appeared in 81 games last season and amassed 48 points.
A statement from the Blue Jackets, per NHL.com, reads: "The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. 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.
"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.”
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and two children one-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny.
Matthew leaves behind his wife, Madeline, who is currently pregnant with their first child.
Our thoughts are with the Gaudreau family and the brothers' loved ones at this time.
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