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Late NHL stars Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s mother, Jane Gaudreau, shared throwback memories on her Instagram on Tuesday. This year the family celebrated their first Christmas without the brothers who were tragically killed in a road accident in late August.
Jane shared a carousel of pictures on her Instagram account, the first of which was a special Christmas ornament featuring a family photo gifted to her this year. She wrote that the ornament was placed on the front of their decorated Christmas tree.
“Our 2024 Christmas family photo in front of the Christmas tree will be this beautiful Christmas ornament we received. Remembering all the wonderful Christmas Eves our family has spent together.❤️🌲”
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Jane also shared a series of older Christmas Eve photos from past years, showing moments with her late sons, Johnny's wife Meredith, their daughter Noa, and Johnny’s father, Guy, spending time with Noa.
Johnny’s sister Katie Gaudreau also posted Christmas memories on her Instagram stories. Her pictures included the Gaudreau siblings posing in front of Christmas trees and fireplaces over the years. Katie reflected on the empty spots at this year’s celebration, writing:
“This Christmas we will have a lot of empty spots," she wrote on her stories.
She expressed her love for her family and recalled cherished moments, such as their grandmother’s traditions and the boys enjoying holiday treats.
Driver accused in Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s accident faces additional charges
Last week, a grand jury indicted Sean Higgins for his role in the tragic hit-and-run crash that killed NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on August 29, 2024. The crash happened in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, while the brothers were home for their sister’s wedding and went out cycling.
Authorities reported that Higgins was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee when he tried to pass two vehicles illegally by moving into the opposite lane. He struck the Gaudreau brothers while attempting to pass an SUV that had moved to the middle of the road to avoid them. Both brothers died at the scene.
On December 11, 2024, Higgins was charged with four crimes: second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, first-degree aggravated manslaughter, fourth-degree tampering with evidence and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Police reported that Higgins smelled of alcohol when they arrived. He admitted to drinking five or six beers before driving and sobriety tests showed his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit at .087.
Higgins is also accused of tampering with evidence and leaving the crash scene. His arraignment is scheduled for January 7, 2025. If convicted, he could face prison time of up to 20 years.
