Friends and family came together on Monday to honor and remember NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically lost his life in a cycling accident last month. The highly emotional memorial service gathered those closest to Gaudreau, including his Columbus Blue Jackets teammates and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
As the hockey community mourned the loss of one of its brightest talents, the grief was compounded by the revelation that Gaudreau's brother Matthew was also killed in the same accident. The two brothers were struck by a drunk driver while enjoying a bicycle ride in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The driver responsible for the devastating incident has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Heartbreaking Loss
The Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey to serve as groomsmen for their sister’s wedding, making the tragedy all the more heartbreaking for the family. During the memorial, Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s widow, delivered a deeply moving eulogy that captured both the anguish of the loss and the joy she and Johnny had shared.
In a moment that mixed sorrow with a glimmer of hope for the future, Meredith revealed they were expecting their third child. "We're actually a family of five. I'm in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited," she shared. Meredith went on to describe how nervous she had been about telling Johnny. "I was so nervous because this was, again, a total surprise. But his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car. After the initial excitement sank in, every time he looked at me, he would say, 'You're nuts, you know that? Three kids?'"
A Growing Family
Meredith and Johnny's growing family already includes two young children. Their daughter, Noa Harper Gaudreau, was born on September 30, 2022, and their son, Johnny Edward Gaudreau, arrived on February 22, 2024. Despite the indescribable pain of losing Johnny, Meredith spoke warmly of the six months they had spent as a family of four. "John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life," she said. "There's specifically one week that I will cherish forever -- it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months."
The Gaudreau family’s tragedy also extends to Matthew's wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting their first child. The loss of both brothers has left an indelible mark on their loved ones and the wider hockey community.
A Community in Mourning
As fans and colleagues process the untimely deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, the tributes continue to pour in. Johnny, known for his extraordinary skill and sportsmanship on the ice, had earned the admiration and respect of fans, teammates, and competitors alike. His legacy, not only as a player but as a family man, will endure as a testament to his character and spirit.
The Gaudreau family, now preparing to welcome new life amidst their grief, will undoubtedly lean on the strength and support of their community. The courage displayed by Meredith and Madeline in the face of such overwhelming loss serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
In the days to come, the focus will shift from the immediate shock and grief to celebrating the lives and legacies of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Their contributions to their family, the sport of hockey, and the broader community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew them.