Tragedy Strikes as NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Matthew Gaudreau Remembered
Friends, family, and the hockey community gathered on Monday to pay their respects to NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically lost his life in a cycling accident last month. The somber event highlighted the profound impact of Johnny and his brother Matthew, both of whom were struck and killed by a drunk driver during a bicycle ride in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
Among those in attendance were Johnny's Columbus Blue Jackets teammates and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who came together to honor the memory of a player whose legacy was cut short. As the hockey world mourned, touching moments from the eulogy delivered by Johnny's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, shed light on the personal side of the tragedy.
A Growing Family Faces Heartbreak
In a poignant revelation during her eulogy, Meredith Gaudreau shared the surprising and bittersweet news of her pregnancy. "We're actually a family of five. I'm in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby," Meredith disclosed, her voice heavy with emotion. "A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited."
The couple, who had already welcomed two young children—Noa Harper Gaudreau, born on September 30, 2022, and Johnny Edward Gaudreau, born on February 22, 2024—were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their third child. Meredith recounted the moment she shared the news with Johnny, whom she described as elated and full of love. "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?'"
Memories of a Happy Family Life
Despite the heart-wrenching loss, Meredith reflected on the joyous times the couple experienced together 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. Her words painted a picture of a devoted father and husband who cherished every moment with his children and wife.
Meredith fondly recalled a particular week that stood out even among those blissful months. "There's specifically one week that I will cherish forever—it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months," she said, though she did not delve into the specifics of that cherished time, leaving those memories private and profound.
A Family Struck by Double Tragedy
The Gaudreau family’s grief is compounded by the fact that Johnny's brother, Matthew Gaudreau, was also killed in the accident. The brothers were in New Jersey to serve as groomsmen for their sister's wedding when they were struck by a drunk driver. The driver has since been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Adding to the sorrow, Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew's wife, is expecting their first child. The tragic loss of both brothers has left a void not only in their immediate families but also in the larger hockey community that revered them.
The Gaudreau brothers’ deaths are a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the immense impact of irresponsible actions such as drunk driving. As their families navigate this painful period, the outpouring of support from the hockey world and beyond underscores the profound connections they forged throughout their lives.
As the community mourns the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, their memories will live on through the stories shared, the lives they touched, and the families they leave behind.