NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, along with his hockey-playing brother Matthew, were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while bicycling near their hometown in New Jersey Thursday evening.

That fatal incident occurred less than 24 hours before the Gaudreau brothers were to participate in their sister Katie's wedding, and that marriage ceremony and reception scheduled for Friday were reportedly canceled, according to Fox News.

The postponement of the planned nuptials is unsurprising, given the massive trauma the grief-stricken Gaudreau family is undoubtedly enduring after the horrific and untimely loss of the two brothers.

Sister's wedding called off

According to the New York Post's Page Six, Katie Gaudreau was set to marry her fiancé Devin Joyce on Friday afternoon at the Parish of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City, New Jersey, followed by a reception at the Lucy by Cescaphe in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, later that evening.

Johnny and Matthew were to serve as groomsmen for Devin while another sister named Kristen would serve as Katie's maid of honor.

Unfortunately, what should have been a joyous event as the family grew by one member was called off in the wake of the terrible tragedy that resulted in the family losing two beloved members.

Fox News reported that the Gaudreau family did not confirm that the wedding and reception had been canceled but did share a statement about the grievous incident.

"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brother-in-laws, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans," the family said.

Struck and killed by suspected drunk driver

The Columbus Dispatch reported that Johnny Gaudreau, 31, who joined the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets two years ago after previously playing for the Calgary Flames, was killed alongside his brother Matthew, 29, while the pair were riding bikes along a rural county road around 8:30 pm Thursday.

They were struck and killed by Sean Higgins, 43, who was suspected of driving drunk and attempting to pass two vehicles on the two-lane road when he hit the brothers from behind.

According to the police, Higgins failed a field sobriety test and admitted to drinking several cans of beer before the fatal incident occurred. He has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and was ordered by a judge to be held in custody until a hearing next Thursday, where he may face additional charges.

Team issues statement of grief and condolences

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," the team said in a statement. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family, and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew."

"Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets," the statement continued. "He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone 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 do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy," the organization added. "At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve."