Johnny Gaudreau’s sister-in-law shares story of NHL star sneaking out of bachelor party

'A small glimpse into how much he loves my sister'

Published Sep 03, 2024  •  3 minute read

Hockey fans leave flowers on the steps of the Scotiabank Saddledome in memory for Johnny Gaudreau  and his brother in Calgary. Darren Makowichuk/Postmedia

Bachelor parties aren’t for everyone, especially when getting dressed up like a pirate seemingly is involved.

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That appeared to be the case for Johnny Gaudreau, according to a sweet story shared by his sister-in-law, Lily Morris.

This weekend, days after the tragic deaths of the NHL star and his brother Matthew, Morris posted a touching video on her Instagram Stories to highlight Johnny’s love for his soon-to-be-wife Meredith.

In the clip, Johnny could be seen dressed in what appeared to be a pirate costume on the night of his bachelor party in 2021 as he sat down on a couch before saying “Luwally,” a family nickname for Morris.

“One of my favorite memories,” Morris wrote on the clip. “John sneaking out of his own bachelor party and showing up at my parents house to be with Meredith.

“A small glimpse into how much he loves my sister.”

Meredith reshared the clip, adding that Johnny “did this three different times.”

On Sunday, Morris posted another loving tribute to Johnny on her Instagram page, with a carousel full of family photos.

“I love you, John. You are and always will be my amazing brother,” she wrote. “Cannot put into words how grateful I am to have spent the last year living with you. Best decision I’ve ever made.

“Nothing I wouldn’t do to have one more day of baking you cookies, watching a crime documentary, and having a sauna jam sesh together.”

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Morris also promised to help take care of her sister and the couple’s two children, Noa and Johnny Jr., “forever.”

“I’ll see you again for more deal or no deal and word search races that I will never beat you in. I promise to take care of your babies and Mer forever,” Morris concluded.

Cops allege that Sean Higgins, a financial officer at a rehab and married father of two, slammed his Jeep Grand Cherokee into the backs of the Gaudreau brothers as they were biking the night before their sister’s wedding.

The Gaudreau brothers were pronounced dead at the scene after police say Higgins drove his vehicle into them as they were riding their bikes in their native Salem County, N.J. Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto.

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During a virtual court appearance Friday, the alleged drunk driver who fatally struck the NHL star and his younger brother looked dejected when a judge told him he was going to be spending the weekend behind bars.

According to the New York Post, Higgins was ordered to remain in custody until his next hearing on Sept. 5.

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“So … I’m here until Thursday?” an exasperated Higgins asked Judge Michael J. Silvanio when he learned he would be held in jail over the long weekend.

New Jersey State Police said the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road in Oldmans Township on Thursday night when a man driving an SUV in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind.

According to the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press and TMZ Sports, Higgins told authorities he drank “5-6 beers” prior to the crash and admitted to consuming alcohol while driving.

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