the world of hockey has been shaken to its core by the tragic death of NHL star Johnny Gad who alongside his brother Matthew lost his life in a devastating accident just hours before his sister's wedding today we bring you the heartbreaking details of this tragedy and the emotional tributes pouring in from loved ones how did such a bright light get extinguished so suddenly and how are those Left Behind coping with this unimaginable loss Johnny D affectionately known as Johnny hocky was a beloved figure both on and off the ice the NHL star was a dedicated father husband and brother tragically Johnny and his younger brother Matthew were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in their Hometown in New Jersey this devastating accident occurred just one day before their sister Katie's wedding where they were both meant to be groomsmen Johnny's wife mered who was also supposed to be a maid of honor at the wedding broke her Silence with a heart-wrenching tribute to her late husband she posted a series of intimate family photos on Instagram capturing Precious Moments with their children one-year-old daughter Noah and their six-month-old son Johnny her words were filled with pain love and a promise to keep Johnny's memory alive she described him as the absolute best dad and a partner who was always there never missing an appointment o and the best at soothing their children to sleep she wrote we are going to make you proud we love you so so so much Daddy the accident has left not only Meredith but also Matthew's wife mateline devastated to add to the tragedy meline is pregnant with their first child the future they had planned has been shattered in an instant it's a sorrow that words can hardly describe as details of the accident emerged the driver responsible 43-year-old Sean M Higgins was revealed to have been under the influence of alcohol he confessed to having consumed five to six beers before getting behind the wheel of his Jeep Grand Cherokee the crash took place only three miles from the Gat family home Johnny and Matthew were cycling peacefully when Higgins tried to overtake two vehicles swerving into the wrong lane and fatally striking the brothers the Heartbreak is only deepened by the senselessness of the accident which claimed two lives just as they were about to celebrate their sister's wedding day the hockey Community has rallied around the grro family with tributes pouring in from former teammates and fellow NHL stars Kevin Hayes who played college hockey with Johnny Gad posted a touching tribute on Instagram having lost his own brother Jimmy Hayes three years earlier Kevin's post struck an emotional cord he shared a photo of G high-fiving his nephew Bo Jimmy Hay's son and added love you John say hello to Bo's dad for me this tragic incident has reminded many of the fragility of life and the dangers posed by reckless driving Johnny Gad was just 31 years old and his brother Matthew 29 they both leave behind families careers and Legacy that will be remembered by the hockey world and Beyond the wedding that was meant to be a celebration of Love turned into a time of mourning and the Gad family now faces the difficult task of picking up the pieces after such an unspeakable loss the loss of Johnny and Matthew grro is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change in just one night a family was shattered and the hockey Community was left reeling our hearts go out to Meredith meline and the entire Gad family during this incredibly difficult time we thank you for watching the fame journey and for standing in solidarity with those who are geving if you'd like to leave a message of support please drop a comment below don't forget to like share and subscribe as we continue to bring you the latest updates and stories that matter stay safe and remember to hold your loved ones close