Joe Yates
Johnny Gaureau's widow has broken her silence following the NHL star's tragic death.
The 31-year-old and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were knocked down by Sean M. Higgins, while the pair were out cycling on a New Jersey highway, at around 8pm on Thursday.
The brothers were cycling north on County Road 551, in Salem County, when they were struck by the alleged drunk driver in his Jeep, while attempting to overtake two cars - the second being an SUV.
While passing the cyclists, the SUV moved over to allow plenty of space to pass - at the exact point the 43-year-old, who police documents state told an officer that he had 'five to six' beers, attempted to pass.
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In what seems like a fit of rage Higgins then drove up the inside not knowing 29-year-old father-to-be Matthew, and dad-of-two Johnny, were cycling along the side of the road - crashing into them both.
Now, the Columbus Blue Jackets player's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, has taken to Instagram to honor her husband and their kids' father for the 'best years' of her life as she uploaded two separate posts for the first time since mourning her loss.
The first read: "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.
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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."
While the second was captioned: "The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with.
"John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy."
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Johnny and Matthew were due to be groomsmen at their sister's wedding the morning after their deaths.
Higgins, who has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, attended Salem County Court via a video link on Friday.
Judge Michael J. Silvanio informed him that Higgins will be remaining in custody for six more days, to which the Daily Mail reported that he responded in disbelief: "So... I'm here until Thursday."
The holding period of three days has been extended due to the holiday weekend the judge explained, leading to Higgins leaning back in his chair and letting out a heavy sigh, according to the publication.