At the funeral of brothers John and Matthew Gaudreau, mourners start to show up
Boston College associate coach Mike Ayers remembered them fondly: "They were both very, very talented hockey players but they were great people to be around and made everything around them fun."
Mourners have started arriving at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania, for the funeral of John and Matthew Gaudreau on Monday.
Family members, players, and other attendees have been arriving for the service, which is set to begin at 10 a.m. MT. A bus transported some of the attendees, while many walked to the church more than two hours before the service.
The Calgary Flames will livestream the event on their website.
John Gaudreau, an All-Star known as "Johnny Hockey," and his brother Matthew, who played collegiate hockey with John at Boston College, tragically died on August 29 when they were hit by a suspected drunken driver while cycling in New Jersey. Their deaths occurred just before their sister’s wedding.
The hockey community, including the entire Columbus Blue Jackets team, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and former Boston College coach Jerry York, is expected to attend the funeral. The brothers have been mourned widely, with emotional vigils held in Columbus, Ohio, and Calgary.
Boston College associate coach Mike Ayers remembered them fondly: "They were both very, very talented hockey players but they were great people to be around and made everything around them fun."
A GoFundMe campaign for Matthew’s widow, Madeline, and their unborn child has raised over $645,000 from nearly 9,000 donors, including contributions from NHL players and their families.
Michael Myers of the ECHL's Worcester Railers, where Matthew played, emphasized the importance of supporting Matthew’s family, noting his lack of a Players' Association pension.
The Gaudreau brothers were cycling in Oldmans Township when an SUV, driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, struck them from behind.
Higgins, suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, faces multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open container. He remains in jail pending a hearing on September 13.
Since their deaths, the Gaudreau brothers have been honored on social media. Katie Gaudreau, their sister, has shared heartfelt memories, including a tribute video on Instagram.
Devin Joyce, the groom of Katie, expressed his deep affection for the brothers and his commitment to caring for her.
