In a somber gathering on Monday, friends, family, and fellow athletes came together to honor the life of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically lost his life in a cycling accident last month. The Columbus Blue Jackets' forward was deeply respected both on and off the ice, and his sudden passing has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were enjoying a bicycle ride in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when the unthinkable happened. The two brothers were struck and killed by a drunk driver, a tragedy that has shaken the entire hockey community. Authorities have since arrested the driver involved, charging them with two counts of death by auto.
A Grieving Family
Among the mourners were Johnny's teammates from the Columbus Blue Jackets and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. However, the most heart-wrenching moments came from Johnny's wife, Meredith Gaudreau, who delivered a moving eulogy.
Meredith revealed during her speech that she is pregnant with their third child, a piece of news that added another layer of poignancy to an already heartbreaking situation. "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 spoke of the overwhelming mix of emotions she felt when discovering she was pregnant. "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 Joy and Love
As she reminisced about their life together, Meredith highlighted the past six months they 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, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and fondness. She also mentioned a particularly cherished time, "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 couple's growing family already includes two young children, Noa Harper Gaudreau, born on September 30, 2022, and Johnny Edward Gaudreau, born on February 22, 2024. The weight of this loss is almost unimaginable, especially as Meredith navigates her third pregnancy without her beloved husband.
Another Expecting Family
Matthew Gaudreau, Johnny's brother, also leaves behind a grieving spouse, Madeline Gaudreau, who is expecting their first child. This dual tragedy has impacted the Gaudreau family in ways that words can scarcely capture. The brothers were in New Jersey to serve as groomsmen at their sister's wedding, a family event that will now be remembered for its heartbreaking context.
Community Support and Legacy
The gathered crowd and the presence of prominent figures such as Gary Bettman highlighted the strong community support and solidarity at this difficult time. NHL players, fans, and the larger sports community have expressed their condolences and shared memories of Johnny Gaudreau, celebrating his achievements on the ice and his character off it.
Johnny Gaudreau was not just a familiar name in the NHL; he was a beloved figure whose sportsmanship, humility, and dedication left a lasting impact. As the family and friends mourn, they also remember a life filled with achievements, joy, and love. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s legacy will live on through their families and the countless people they touched throughout their lives.
While the pain of this loss is profound, the memories shared and the lives they have left behind will continue to inspire and bring comfort to those who loved them. As the Gaudreau families prepare for the new lives they will welcome into the world, the community's support will undoubtedly be a crucial part of their healing journey.