Wat-Not Staff
Katie Gaudreau, a bride-to-be, is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy just one day before her wedding. Her brothers, Johnny Gaudreau, a 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets hockey player, and 29-year-old Matthew Gaudreau, were tragically killed in a bike accident on August 29 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, while they were in town to serve as groomsmen for her wedding. The devastating incident, caused by a suspected drunk driver, has left the family in mourning as Katie reflects on the heartbreak of losing her brothers during what was meant to be the happiest time of her life
Katie Gaudreau’s Heartbreaking Loss Amid Wedding Preparations
Katie Gaudreau was in the midst of planning her wedding, eagerly looking forward to the happiest day of her life, when her world was turned upside down. Just one day before her nuptials, her brothers, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, were tragically killed in a bike accident. They were on their way to support their sister as groomsmen in her wedding, but fate had other plans. On Aug. 29, while riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, N.J., the brothers were struck by a vehicle driven by Sean M. Higgins, who was later arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Katie’s life, once filled with joy and excitement, was now clouded by an unimaginable tragedy.
In a heartbreaking Instagram post, Katie reflected on the moment she found out about her brothers’ deaths. She shared that while texting her fiancé, Devin Joyce, about minor wedding details, she had no idea how drastically her life was about to change. “In just a split second, and a phone call later, our lives would forever change,” she wrote, urging her followers to cherish their loved ones. The grief that came with losing her brothers has now become an inseparable part of her wedding memories.
Tributes and Love for the Brothers
Both Katie and her fiancé, Devin, have been openly expressing their love for Johnny and Matthew in the days following the tragedy. Devin’s emotional tribute on Instagram spoke volumes about the bond he had with Katie’s brothers. He described how honored he felt to be welcomed into their family, sharing that he loved them deeply, even though he never got the chance to fully express it. “There is not a second that will go by I will not look at Katie and see both of you,” Devin wrote, emphasizing his commitment to taking care of Katie.
Katie echoed her fiancé’s sentiments in her own tribute, recalling how excited her brothers were for her big day. In her words, they would have been the life of the party, dancing and celebrating alongside her and Devin. Though they are no longer physically present, Katie believes her brothers will still be with them in spirit when she finally walks down the aisle. Their memory continues to live on, not only through tributes but through the love and bond they shared with Katie and Devin.
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