Johnny Gaudreau’s sister shares call that ‘changed her life forever’ after NHL star & brother ‘killed by drunk driver’

THE sister of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed alongside his brother while biking in their home state of New Jersey, has shared an emotional post on Instagram.

Katie Gaudreau, the younger sister of both men, broke her silence on Instagram Thursday and reflected on the “split second” her life changed forever.

Instagram/kgaudreau13

Instagram/kgaudreau13

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Katie, who was scheduled to get married just one day after her siblings were allegedly killed by drunk driver, Sean Higgins .

Johnny and his brother, Matthew , were both set to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding just one day after the tragic accident.

“Right in the middle of getting ready for the best day of my life the unthinkable happens,” she started her emotional post.

“That will change my life forever,” she continued.

I remember a week ago being in the hotel, sitting with family, and texting Devin about how we forgot to practice our dip,” she said.

“To think that was our biggest worry at this moment.”

“In just a split second and a phone call later, our lives would forever change.”

“Remember to tell your people you love them,” she said.

“I would do anything to tell my big brothers I love them one more time.”

Her post featured photos of the siblings together throughout their childhood.

Comments of support for the young sister came pouring in.

“The world’s hearts break for you and your entire family,” read one comment.

“They knew that you loved them and they loved you,” said another.

Johnny played 11 seasons in the NHL as a left-wing for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.

The brothers were biking around 8 pm on the eve of their sister’s wedding when they were struck by Higgins, who was allegedly driving drunk, killing them both.

According to police, Higgins admitted to having about “five or six beers” before the accident.

He was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide under suspicion of drunk driving, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.

In court on Thursday, Higgins was ordered to be held in jail by Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio.

Higgins, who was placed on leave from his job as a financial operations director for Gaudenzia Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers, had previously been arrested for another DUI in North Carolina in 2005.

However, that case was ultimately dismissed as the arresting officer did not show up to court.

AP

AP

Full statement from Columbus Blue Jackets

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.

“Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family, and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.

“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. 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.

“Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.

“At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”