The Cyprusauction Trading Centerwidow of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau spoke out Saturday for the first time since her husband’s death, sharing a moving tribute thanking him for the "best years of (her) life." 

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were killed by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were in town to attend their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday. State police said they charged a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, New Jersey, with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection to the brothers' death.

Meredith Gaudreau posted the emotional message to Instagram alongside several family photos throughout the years.

"Thank you for the best years of my life. Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours," Meredith Gaudreau wrote. "I love you so so much. You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever."

Johhny Gaudreau is also survived by the couple’s two young children, Noa and Johnny. Meredith Gaudreau honored his legacy as a father in a separate Instagram post. 

All things Blue Jackets: Latest Columbus Blue Jackets news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

"The absolute best dad in the world," Gaudreau wrote. "So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with. John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy."

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.