The family of Johnny Gaudreau has spoken out following the tragic deaths of the hockey player and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.

“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two wonderful people,” the family said in a statement to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche. “We want everyone to know that we receive your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult time of grief.”

The statement, issued by Matthew and Johnny’s uncle Jim Gaudreau, was signed “from all of our families and from the bottom of our hearts to the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce families.”

Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two children — daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, 7 months. Matthew is survived by his wife, Madeline.

The NHL player and his brother were killed Aug. 30 by a driver believed to be under the influence of alcohol while they were riding bicycles in New Jersey. The driver allegedly attempted to pass another car and fatally struck both brothers, New Jersey State Police told PEOPLE.

The driver’s name is Sean M. Higgins. He was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, authorities said.

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The Blue Jackets confirmed the brothers’ deaths in a statement shared with X (formerly 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 most 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.

“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 said Johnny’s impact on the organization was “profound” and that the athlete made an “indelible impression” on “all who knew him,” the statement read.

“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.