NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau Tragically Died at 31 — His Widow Made an Unexpected Announcement at Memorial Service

On Monday, September 9, the memorial service for late ice hockey player Johnny Gaudreau, who died at 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau took place. During her eulogy, the Columbus Blue Jackets player’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, announced that she is pregnant.

After speaking about how she cherishes the six months that she and her late spouse got to have as a family of four, Meredith shared, “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 then revealed, “We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby.” Divulging further details, Meredith said her pregnancy came as a “total surprise,” and added, “John was beaming and so excited. His reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me.”

In addition to the baby on the way, Meredith and Johnny also share a daughter, Noa Harper Gaudreau, who was born on September 30, 2022, and a son, Johnny Edward Gaudreau, whom they welcomed on February 22 of this year (2024).

“It doesn’t even sound possible, but I look at it as the ultimate blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies? Our last one being a blessing and so special despite these difficult circumstances,” expressed Meredith before telling her kids how loved they were and continue to be by their late dad.

Upon hearing about Meredith’s pregnancy, netizens flooded online platforms to express their sorrow and extend their condolences. “This is heartbreaking ,” remarked someone on Facebook while another echoed, “So very sad. Condolences to all concerned.”

A netizen chimed in with, “So so tragic.” “What a complete tragedy . All because one guy couldn’t wait to get home to get drunk. Hope he never drives again,” asserted someone else, referencing the horrible way in which Johnny and Matthew’s lives were taken.

The brothers died on the eve of their sister, Katie Gaudreau’s wedding, on August 29. They were hit by a suspected drunk driver while they were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

After the 43-year-old driver, Sean M. Higgins, struck Johnny, who played 10 full seasons in the NHL, and Matthew from behind at 8 p.m., they were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Sean was charged with two counts of death by auto and reckless driving. His additional charges include the consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and the possession of an open container.

While his blood-alcohol level was not immediately made available, the criminal complaint revealed that Sean, who was jailed at a facility in Salem County, had failed a field sobriety test.

When news of Johnny and Matthew’s passing circulated to the public, Johnny’s hockey team shared a statement on social media. In their message, they expressed how devastated they are by the tragedy and spoke about how beloved and talented their former player was.

“Johnny played the game with great joy […] He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could,” penned the Columbus Blue Jackets.

They also extended their heartfelt condolences to Johnny’s wife, parents, kids, and all his friends and other loved ones. The hockey team made it clear that while Johnny’s life may have been lost, the incredible and indelible impact he made in his community and career will live on.

Amid the flurry of dedications and sentimental words shared by coaches and sports stars like NBA superstar LeBron James, who sent prayers to Gaudreau’s family, Meredith shared a heartwarming wedding anniversary post on Instagram on September 4.

She posted a carousel of beautiful images from her and Johnny’s fairytale-esque wedding and other sentimental memories the two had shared.

In her caption, Meredith reflected, “3 years ago today I became yours forever. One of the best days of my life, including the night we got engaged and the days we brought our babies into the world. The day I met you, I remember saying to myself, ‘omg I’m going to marry him.'”

“And every day after that kept getting better and better. I love you forever John and I am so proud to be your wife,” concluded Meredith Gaudreau.

As the Gaudreau family continues to grapple with their devastating losses, we wish them healing and send our heartfelt condolences and prayers their way. RIP Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who may be gone but will never be forgotten.