Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau passed away Thursday evening after being struck by a car while in New Jersey for his sister's wedding.

Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, a retired professional hockey player, were killed in the accident that occurred in Salem County.

The brothers were in the area for their sister Katie's wedding, which was scheduled for Friday, followed by a reception in Philadelphia. According to the sister's wedding website, both Johnny and Matthew were set to take on the role of groomsmen.

In a brief statement issued by the uncles of the brothers on behalf of their families, relatives acknowledged the death and thanked the public.

The statement read: "We lost last night two husbands, two brothers, two sons, two brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, and two human beings in every sense of the word."

"We want to let everyone know that we are receiving your messages filled with love and support and we appreciate your thoughts and ongoing prayers."

What happened?

Police said the brothers were riding bicycles "near the fog line on the roadway" when they were struck by a man driving a Jeep.

Officers said the 43-year-old driver, identified as Shawn M. Higgins, who lives in New Jersey, was trying to pass another vehicle. Police said when he tried to merge back into the northbound lane from the left, "another vehicle moved into the lane" to pass the cyclists.

Sergeant Charles Marshan said in a statement: "Higgins then tried to pass the SUV on the right and struck the cyclists from behind."

The Gaudreau brothers succumbed to their injuries. Marshan said Higgins has been detained, and police believe he was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but Higgins is facing two counts of vehicular homicide.

"Johnny Hockey"

Public condolences poured in in the hours following the announcement of the deaths, including from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Trudeau wrote on social media Friday afternoon: "While Johnny Gaudreau came from the United States, hockey fans in Calgary, and across Canada, will remember him as one of us."

The Blue Jackets issued a statement Friday morning saying the team is "shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy."

"Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but he was also a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," the team said. "Johnny played the game with great joy that was felt by everyone who saw him on the ice."

Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Blue Jackets and the Calgary Flames. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, he was the inspiring child of a wave of hockey players who thrived through speed and skill, rather than size and strength.

In 763 regular season games, the winger scored 241 goals and provided 498 assists for 739 points. Upon entering the league full-time in 2014, Gaudreau quickly became one of the top forwards in the game, regularly producing at nearly a point per game pace.

His friend and Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout wrote, "We are devastated by the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. I send my heartfelt condolences and love to their family."

"A Loving Father"

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also issued a statement regarding the brothers' deaths, saying Johnny was "more than just an extraordinary hockey player."

Bettman stated: "He was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and teammate who loved himself to everyone fortunate enough to cross his path."

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine wrote on social media that he and his wife Fran offered their deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family.

He said: "Our thoughts are also with the entire Blue Jackets organization as they mourn the loss of one of their own."