After the death of her brothers, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew, 29, Katie Gaudreau has canceled her wedding that was scheduled for Friday afternoon.
The Gaudreau brothers were believed to have been cycling on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding when the fatal crash occurred just before 8:30pm in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
The two were struck and killed by another vehicle, driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Higgins has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide with no bail or bond. The cancellation of the wedding was first reported by Page Six.
In documents seen by DailyMail.com, Higgins admitted to cops that he drank ‘5-6 beers’ before getting behind the wheel of his Jeep Grand Cherokee and crashing into the back of Johnny and Matthew on Thursday night.
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and younger brother Matthew were tragically killed on Thursday
Katie Gaudreau has canceled her Friday wedding, less than a day after her brothers’ deaths
It is believed he and brother Matthew were killed on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding to partner Devin Joyce (Pictured: Katie and Devin rehearsing for their wedding)
Higgins is accused of being intoxicated when he collided with Gaudreau and his brother
The wedding ceremony between Katie and her fiancée, Kevin Joyce, was due to take place at the Parish of St Mary – St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City starting at 1:45 p.m., per the couple’s page on The Knot.
A black tie cocktail hour and reception over six hours of Friday night was scheduled for The Lucy by Cescaphe in Philadelphia.
When the wedding will be postponed to is unknown at this time.
Officers also allege that Higgins showed signs of being drunk and admitted to drinking ‘prior to and while operating his vehicle’.
While reeking of alcohol, Higgins is said to have told them that ‘his consumption of alcoholic beverages contributed to his impatience and reckless driving.’
The Gaudreau brothers were expected to be groomsmen in Katie’s wedding.
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.
It is believed Meredith was due to be a maid of honor at her sister-in-law’s wedding this weekend.
