NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau's Wife Breaks Silence On His Death

Meredith Gaudreau , the wife of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau , broke her silence after he and his brother, Matthew , were killed by an alleged drunk driver Thursday (August 29) night.

"Thank you for the best years of my life. Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much," Meredith wrote in an Instagram post. "You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever."

The Gaudreau brothers were riding as "pedalcyclists" when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver hours before they were set to be groomsmen in their sister Katie 's wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce , Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police Department confirmed in a statement to NBC News on Friday (August 30). Sean Higgins , 43, was charged with two counts of death by auto.

A Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Higgins struck the brothers while attempting to pass another SUV on the right that had moved over in an attempt to make room for the pedalcyclists in Oldmans Township, according to police. The brothers were reported to have suffered fatal injuries when authorities arrived at the scene.

Johnny Gaudreau was set to enter his 12th NHL season, having previously played for the Calgary Flames before signing with Columbus as part of a seven-year contract prior to the 2022-23 season. The winger, who played for Team USA at five world championships, was an All-Star for a sixth time last season.

The Blue Jackets referred to the Gaudreaus' deaths as an "unimaginable tragedy" in a statement shared on their social media accounts.

"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice," the team wrote. "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."