• NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were killed in a bicycle accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on Thursday, August 29
• Police confirmed to PEOPLE that the man accused of causing the fatal crash was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of homicide by car crash.
• “The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” Johnny’s team said in a statement shared on social media.

The man accused of causing the fatal crash that killed Columbus Blue Jackets hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau was believed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

On Thursday, August 29 at 8:19 p.m. EST, NHL star Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were killed after Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, New Jersey, struck the pair, who were riding bicycles, from behind while they were attempting to pass another car on County Route 551 North in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, State Police confirmed to PEOPLE.

“After further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, was charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle, and was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility. This crash remains an ongoing investigation and no additional information is available,” the statement said.

Police reported: “Based on a preliminary investigation, two bicyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old male of Carneys Point, NJ, and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old male of Pedricktown, NJ, were traveling northbound on County Route 551 near the fog line of the road.”

The affidavit revealed the suspect was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, behind a sedan and an SUV.

“Higgins attempted to pass the slower moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lane, passed the slower moving sedan, and attempted to return to the northbound lane. At that point, the SUV became centered in front of Higgins, separating the northbound and southbound lanes and allowing him to safely pass the two bicyclists traveling north on the right side of the roadway,” police said.

“Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two bicyclists from behind. As a result of the collision, the two bicyclists sustained fatal injuries,” the statement said.

According to a wedding website, Johnny and his brother Matthew were reportedly in their Salem County hometown to act as groomsmen at their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding on Friday.

The NHL star’s team, the Blue Jackets, with whom he signed a seven-year contract in 2022, confirmed the brothers’ deaths in a statement shared with X (formerly known as Twitter) on Friday, August 30.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their families and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew,” the statement said.

The athlete is survived by his wife Meredith and their two children: daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, 7 months old.

“Johnny played the game with a passion that was evident to everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He made fans happy in a way that only Johnny Hockey could,” it continued.

The team shared: “The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on all who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago and Columbus welcomed him with open arms.”

“We will miss him terribly and are doing everything we can to support his family and each other during this tragedy. At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve,” the message concluded.

Both brothers played at Boston College, before Johnny — now known as “Johnny Hockey” for his elite play — turned pro and was drafted by the Calgary Flames, where he played for eight seasons before joining the Blue Jackets.

Matthew, who played for several minor league teams, most recently the Worcester Railers in 2022, is survived by his wife of three years, Madeline.