"Just heartbreaking": Valeri Bure's wife Candace expresses grief over tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew

By Evan Bell

Modified Aug 30, 2024 19:28 GMT

Longtime NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who previously played in the ECHL, were tragically killed on Thursday while in New Jersey for their sister's wedding. Ahead of the wedding on Friday, the brothers were out biking when a suspected drunk driver killed both of them.

Immediately, the NHL community began to share messages of support, rallying around Johnny's wife and their two kids as they dealt with the tragedy. NHL vet Valeri Bure's wife Candace also joined in and gave her heartfelt message.

On her Instagram story, Candace shared a post from the NHL PR account. In response, she wrote:

"RIP... Just heartbreaking. Praying for their families. Johnny and his brother were killed by a drunk driver the evening before their sister's wedding."

@CandaceBure - Instagram

Candace Cameron Bure is a well-known American actress most famous for playing DJ Tanner on the hit show "Full House" in the 1980s and 1990s.

Looking at the latest details surrounding the tragic deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau

At the time initial reports broke, there was plenty of uncertainty regarding the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau. Without official confirmation from the police, members of the NHL community on social media held onto hope that the news was fake.

Eventually, it was confirmed with TMZ relaying the news from the New Jersey State Police. After the wedding rehearsal on Thursday night shortly after 8 p.m. local time, a driver suspected of being drunk behind the wheel struck Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew who were both riding bicycles.

According to the police, a 43-year-old man named Sean Higgins attempted to pass another car when he struck the Gaudreau brothers, who died at the scene. The police then arrested Higgins on two counts of death by auto, with reports indicating that he was suspected of being drunk at the time of the incident.

If it is confirmed that he was under the influence at the time of the crash, Higgins could also wind up facing additional charges. Higgins is currently being held at the Department of Corrections; however, no court date has been reported.

Since the news was confirmed, numerous players both past and present shared their condolences. When the NHL season kicks off, fans are expecting the league to host a tribute on opening night.