Johnny Gaudreau Left Behind a Pregnant Wife, Two Children, and Countless Memories of Good Times

In what was supposed to be a weekend filled with joy quickly turned tragic, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by an alleged drunk driver on Aug. 29, 2024. The brothers were enjoying a bike ride through Oldsman Township, N.J., the night before their sister's wedding when 43-year-old Sean Higgins struck them while attempting to pass another vehicle. Higgins later told authorities he had consumed five or six beers that night, per CNN.

Johnny Gaudreau had just signed a seven-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, and had recently welcomed a second child with his wife Meredith. While reciting her eulogy, Meredith revealed she is pregnant again. "We're actually a family of five," Meredith tearfully admitted."

Everything was looking up for him, both professionally and personally. Here's what we know about the professional hockey player's life off the ice.

Two days after the brothers died, Johnny's wife Meredith took to Instagram to post about her late husband. "Thank you for the best years of my life," she wrote. "Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours." Meredith went on to say how much she loved Johnny, and how perfect he was. For her, it was almost too good to be true. She finished by writing, "You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever."

According to People, the couple married in September 2021, in a ceremony that took place in Philadelphia. The outlet also reported that during his bachelor party, Johnny snuck out to be with Meredith. This memory was shared to Instagram Stories by Meredith's sister Lily Morris, and was re-shared by Meredith who wrote, "He did this three different times." She also wondered how she ever got so lucky.

In another lovely Instagram post, Meredith wrote about Johnny as a father, calling him the best dad in the world. The couple shared two children, daughter Noa, 2, and son Johnny, 7 months. He was caring and loving and was the "best partner to go through parenthood with." Meredith revealed that Johnny was always there for them. He never missed a single appointment, was the best at putting the baby to sleep, and was the "apple of Noa's eye." She vowed to make Johnny proud.

Lily made her own promise to her late brother-in-law that involved taking care of her sister, as well as her niece and nephew. On Instagram she wrote about how incredible he was, saying, "Cannot put into words how grateful I am to have spent the last year living with you." Johnny's sister-in-law also touched on fond memories like baking cookies or watching true crime documentaries. "’ll see you again for more deal or no deal and word search races that I will never beat you in," finished Lily.

While delivering her heartfelt eulogy on Sept. 9, 2024, as the brothers were laid to rest, Meredith revealed she is nine weeks pregnant. "I was so nervous because, again, this was a total surprise, but his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car." She continued,"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."