Katie reflects on losing brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before her wedding day
Katie Gaudreau, whose wedding day was tragically overshadowed by the loss of her two brothers, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, is sharing her reflections on the devastating moment that changed her life forever.
Just a day before what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, Katie received the unimaginable news that her brothers had been killed in a bike accident.
On Thursday, August 29, Johnny Gaudreau, a 31-year-old hockey player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
The brothers had returned to their hometown in Salem County to celebrate their sister’s wedding, where they were set to serve as groomsmen on August 30. However, the joyful occasion took a tragic turn when the two were fatally struck by a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins.
According to the New Jersey State Police, Higgins was attempting to pass another car when he hit the Gaudreau brothers. Authorities also suspected that Higgins may have been driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Higgins was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. His detention hearing, initially scheduled for September 5, was postponed to September 13, as both the prosecution and defense required additional time to prepare exhibits and legal briefs.
In an emotional Instagram post shared on Thursday, Katie Gaudreau recalled the moment her life changed forever while she was in the middle of wedding preparations. “That day. Right in the middle of getting ready for the best day of my life, the unthinkable happens that will change my life forever,” she wrote.
“I remember a week ago being in the hotel sitting with family and texting [my fiancé] Devin [Joyce] about how we forgot to practice our dip.”
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Katie’s post, accompanied by heartwarming childhood photos of her and her brothers, expressed the sheer disbelief and pain she felt in that moment. “To think that was our biggest worry at this moment when in just a split second, and a phone call later, our lives would forever change,” she added.
Katie’s words served as a powerful reminder to cherish loved ones, as she shared, “Remember to tell your people you love them. I would do anything to tell my big brothers I love them one more time.”
The post reflected Katie’s deep love for her brothers and the immense grief that comes with such a sudden loss. In a previous post, she had shared how much Johnny and Matthew adored her fiancé, Devin Joyce, who was set to marry Katie the day after the accident. “They loved Devin more than he will ever know,” Katie wrote while resharing a tribute that Joyce had posted in honor of the brothers.
Katie continued, “They were so excited for us to get married. When the day comes, they are going to be dancing and celebrating more than anyone.” Despite the pain, she holds on to the belief that Johnny and Matthew will still be a part of her wedding day, even if only in spirit.
Devin Joyce also penned an emotional message dedicated to Johnny and Matthew, revealing just how much they meant to him. “They say when you find the one, you’re not just marrying them but their family too. I know I never said it, but I loved you guys so much. I’m so lucky to have called you two my brothers for as long as I did,” Joyce wrote.
Joyce’s tribute expressed the profound connection he had with his fiancée’s brothers, promising to honor their memory in his marriage to Katie. “There is not a second that will go by I will not look at Katie and see both of you,” Joyce continued. “I promise to take the absolute best care of your little sister, and I know when the day comes you will be with us on that day.”
The heartbreaking loss of Johnny and Matthew has not only shaken their family but also the community around them. As members of the hockey world, Johnny’s career with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Matthew’s involvement in the sport had left a lasting impact on fans and teammates alike.
Tributes poured in from across the hockey community, as those who knew the Gaudreau brothers expressed their sorrow and support for Katie and her family during this devastating time.
As Katie continues to process the unimaginable grief of losing both of her brothers so suddenly, she has found solace in sharing memories of them and their excitement for her upcoming wedding.
While the pain of their absence is immense, Katie’s words reflect her determination to honor Johnny and Matthew’s memory by moving forward with the wedding they were so thrilled to be a part of.
The upcoming legal proceedings for Sean M. Higgins will undoubtedly be closely followed as Katie and her family seek justice for the loss of their beloved brothers. But for now, Katie’s heartfelt reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of family, love, and the irreplaceable moments that can be taken away in the blink of an eye.
News Source: PEOPLE
