Following the heartbreaking deaths of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, their sister's social media posts have added yet another painful twist to the tragedy.
NHL star Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, had been cycling through Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday - just hours after they had attended a wedding rehearsal for their sister, Katie Gaudreau.
However, as the brothers were on their bicycles, they were struck by an alleged drunk driver by the name of Sean Higgins.
New Jersey State Police tells PEOPLE that Higgins had attempted to pass an SUV that had moved into the middle of the road in order to give the Gaudreau brothers a safe distance.
The brothers were then reportedly struck from behind.
The New York Post reports that Higgins told police that he had consumed "five to six beers" before the fatal collision.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and two children one-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny. And Matthew leaves behind his wife, Madeline, who is currently pregnant with their first child, Tripp.
Both Johnny and Matthew were set to be groomsmen in the wedding of their sister Katie and hockey player Devin Joyce, which was scheduled to take place the following day. It was canceled due to the tragedy.
Just days before, Katie had taken to social media to share a post voicing her excitement at finally marrying her teenage sweetheart.
Sharing photos of herself and Devin, the post 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!!!"
And on Thursday, Katie reshared a photo to her Instagram Stories showing her wedding rehearsal.
Following the tragedy, the Gaudreau family has issued a statement via the brothers' uncle, Jim.
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."
A verified GoFundMe page has since been set up to support Madeline and her unborn baby, whose name will be Tripp and is reportedly due in December.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the Gaudreau family and the brothers' loved ones at this time.
.jpg_hJdIcz?tr=h-40)
.jpg_hJdIcz?tr=h-184)
