Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's Family Speaks Out After Their Deaths: We Lost 'Two Amazing Humans'

The brothers were tragically killed while biking in New Jersey on Aug. 29

The family of Johnny Gaudreau has spoken out following the tragic deaths of the hockey player and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.

"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans," the family said in a statement provided to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche. "We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief."

The statement, issued by Matthew and Johnny's uncle Jim Gaudreau, was signed "from all our families and the bottom of our hearts the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families."

Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two children — daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, 7 months. Matthew is survived by his wife, Madeline.

The NHL player and his brother were killed by a driver suspected to be under the influence of alcohol while biking in New Jersey on Aug. 30. The driver reportedly attempted to pass another car and fatally hit both brothers, New Jersey State Police told PEOPLE.

The driver's name is Sean M. Higgins. He was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, authorities said.

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The Blue Jackets confirmed the brothers' deaths in a statement shared to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday, Aug. 30.

"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," the statement read.

"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," it continued.

Related: NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and His Brother Matthew, 29, Killed in New Jersey Bike Accident

The team said Johnny's impact on the organization "was profound," and that the athlete made an "indelible impression" on "everyone who knew him" as the statement continued.

"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," the message concluded.

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