Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s sister has broken her silence after the two brothers were killed in a bicycle accident on the eve of her wedding.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, Katie Gaudreau shared a collection of photos of the family from over the years. "To know these two was to love these two," she captioned the heartfelt tribute. "There are absolutely no words I have to express the bond my family shared. The entire world knows there would never have been a John without Matty or Matty without John.
"The absolute best big brothers a little girl could have asked for. This will never be a goodbye post because I will never stop saying your names and honoring you both. I’ll take the best care of mom, dad, Kristen, Mer, Madeline, and your babies."
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey Thursday night when they were struck from behind by an alleged drunk driver . According to the criminal complaint, the Columbus Blue Jackets star and his brother were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Their tragic passing came just one day before Katie and her fiancé, hockey player Devin Joyce, were set to tie the knot in Gloucester City, New Jersey. Johnny and Matthew were going to be groomsmen and their older sister, Kristen Venello, was expected to be a maid of honor at the wedding, which has since been cancelled in light of the tragic events.
In the days following the brother's deaths, several of Matthew and Johnny's loved ones have penned touching messages honoring the incredible lives they lived.
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Meredith Gaudreau , Johnny's wife, captioned a series of photos of the couple: “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. 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.”
Matthew's wife Madeline, who is currently pregnant with the couple’s first child , wrote on Instagram: "I have no words. I just miss you. I don’t know my life without you. I have never experienced a pain like this. I am so blessed you choose me to be your wife.. to love me. you are the best thing about me. I know you are watching down in just as much pain as I am looking up. I will keep going for you and our son. I love you so much matthew."
A GoFundMe set up to support Madeline and “Baby Tripp” has blown past its initial goal to raise $30,000, bringing in over $500,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Johnny was selected by the Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, playing with Calgary for nine seasons before inking a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets in the summer of 2022. Matthew, who played alongside his brother at Boston College, signed briefly with the Worcester Railers, the New York Islanders’ minor league affiliate.
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