Johnny Gaudreau's wife has honored her late husband after the NHL star and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed in an alleged drunk driving collision.
Johnny, 31, and 29-year-old brother Matthew had been cycling through Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday evening (August 29).
Just hours before, they had attended a wedding rehearsal in preparation for their sister, Katie Gaudreau, marrying hockey player Devin Joyce the following day.
Both Johnny and Matthew were set to be groomsmen in the ceremony.
However, the brothers were reported struck from behind 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.
Higgins, 43, has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
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.
Taking to Instagram, Johnny's wife Meredith penned a touching tribute to her late husband, sharing a carousel of family photos.
She wrote: "The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with.
"John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him.
"We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy."
The wider Gaudreau family has also issued a statement via the brothers' uncle, Jim.
Making the statement via WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche, the family says 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 also 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.
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