Friends and family gathered this past Monday to pay their respects to NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, a beloved figure who tragically lost his life in a cycling accident last month. The somber event brought together not only Gaudreau’s immediate circle but also his teammates from the Columbus Blue Jackets and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, illustrating the profound impact of his loss on the hockey community.
Details of the Accident
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were enjoying a leisurely bicycle ride in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when the unthinkable happened. A drunk driver struck the brothers, leading to the tragic and untimely deaths of both. Police reports confirm the driver’s arrest and subsequent charges of two counts of death by auto. The Gaudreau brothers had returned to New Jersey to serve as groomsmen for their sister's wedding, a heartfelt reunion now shrouded in grief.
A Broken Family with an Unexpected Hope
During the emotional eulogy, Meredith Gaudreau unveiled a bittersweet revelation: she is nine weeks pregnant with 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's words painted a poignant picture of a family filled with excitement and anticipation, now grappling with an unimaginable loss.
Their expanding family already includes two young children, Noa Harper Gaudreau, born on September 30, 2022, and Johnny Edward Gaudreau, born on February 22, 2024. The couple's joy in their growing family was evident. Meredith recalled the moment she revealed her pregnancy to her husband, saying, "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?'"
Cherished Memories
Meredith also took time to reflect on the precious moments they shared as a family. "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 admitted, her voice tinged with both sorrow and gratitude. Despite the tragedy, she cherishes these memories, stretching as far as an unforgettable week she holds dear: "There's specifically one week that I will cherish forever -- it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months."
Community and Legacy
Johnny Gaudreau's untimely death is a considerable blow not just to his immediate family, but also to the broader hockey community. His Columbus Blue Jackets teammates, along with other NHL peers, gather not only to mourn their loss but to celebrate the life he lived both on and off the ice. His commitment to his sport and the bonds forged within his team were evident, bringing together many to honor his memory.
Additionally, both Meredith and Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline, face their pregnancies with a mixture of sorrow and hope. Madeline is expecting their first child, a poignant reminder of the circle of life amidst the backdrop of family tragedy. These burgeoning new lives symbolize the enduring legacy of the Gaudreau brothers, ensuring that, despite their absence, the family name and spirit will remain ever-present.
As the hockey world and the Gaudreau family navigate this devastating period, it’s clear Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy will resonate for years to come, both in his professional achievements and in the lives of his growing family. This tragic accident has not only ended the lives of two promising young men but has united a community in the shared grief and celebration of two lives well-lived.