Widow recalls haunting memories two years after brothers killed in NJ crash

Meredith Gaudreau recounted that the night her husband Johnny, an 11-year NHL veteran, and his brother Matthew were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Sean M. Higgins remains vivid almost two years after the tragedy. The brothers were riding bicycles in their New Jersey hometown on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding when the alleged drunk driver hit them, killing both men. Higgins, a 45-year-old from Woodstown, is being held on two counts each of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide, along with evidence-tampering and leaving the scene, and has pleaded not guilty.

Meredith, who was seven weeks pregnant with her third child Carter at the time, now cares for three children—daughter Noa, son Johnny, and infant Carter—while leaning on her family for help. She says the loss has taught her to be more present and to cherish everyday moments with her kids. The Columbus Blue Jackets, along with the NHL, continue to honor the brothers’ memory.