Meredith Gaudreau Shares Heartbreaking Moment She Learned of Johnny’s Passing
Meredith Gaudreau, widow of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, recently shared a poignant essay in the Player’s Tribune that recounts the heartbreaking moment she learned of her husband’s death. Johnny, 31, who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew, 29, died tragically in August 2024 due to an alleged drunk driver while they were cycling in their hometown of New Jersey. In her emotional essay, Meredith reveals that the brothers’ deaths came just a week after she shared the joyous news of her pregnancy with their third child, Carter, who is now two months old.
She expressed her mixed emotions, feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of having three children under the age of three but comforted by Johnny’s reassuring expression that everything would be alright. Meredith recalls that the day of Johnny’s death was bittersweet, coinciding with the four-year anniversary of their engagement. That morning, Johnny prepared breakfast for their two older children, daughter Noa and son Johnny, while Meredith rested.
As she reminisced about the day, she looked forward to attending her sister-in-law’s wedding the following day. However, their joyful morning quickly turned into a nightmare when Meredith received a call from Katie, who informed her that something had happened. Expecting to support Johnny through a minor issue, she was met with the devastating reality that both of the brothers had died.
The shock was overwhelming, and she described her grief as indescribable, expressing her sorrow for her sister-in-law Madeline, who was also pregnant at the time. Meredith acknowledged the depth of her loss, emphasizing the profound impact Johnny had on her and their children. She concluded her essay with gratitude for the support received during their darkest days and paid tribute to her husband, calling him perfect and celebrating all he meant to her and their growing family, wishing him a happy first Father’s Day as a father of three.