Gina Heslop
The two brothers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau were back in their home state of New Jersey, getting ready to be groomsmen in their sister’s upcoming wedding. While enjoying a bike ride together on August 29th, their lives were tragically cut short when a drunk driver struck them in Oldmans Township. Johnny was 31 years old, and Matthew was 29.
The news of their deaths sent shockwaves through their families, friends, and the broader hockey community. Johnny’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, has now spoken out publicly for the first time since the accident. In a deeply emotional post on her Instagram account, Meredith expressed her profound grief and love for her late husband. She shared a picture of herself, Johnny, and their children, taken on Johnny’s 31st birthday, just a few weeks before the tragedy.
In her post, Meredith wrote, “Thank you for the best years of my life. Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much. You were perfect.” Her words reflect the deep bond they shared, and the pain of losing someone who meant everything to her.
She went on to describe how every day with Johnny felt almost too good to be true, highlighting the joy he brought into her life. Meredith’s love for Johnny was clear as she continued, “I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever.”
In a second post, Meredith spoke about Johnny’s role as a father, praising him as “the absolute best dad in the world.” She remembered how caring and loving he was, always there for their children. He never missed an appointment, was great at putting their baby to sleep, and was adored by their daughter, Noa. Meredith expressed her commitment to making Johnny proud, even as she faces life without him, saying, “We love you so so so much, daddy.”
The driver responsible for the accident, Sean M. Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto and has been arrested. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, but the impact of this tragedy has already been deeply felt.
Johnny’s hockey team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, also released a statement expressing their shock and sorrow. They described Johnny as not only an exceptional hockey player but also a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
The team emphasized the joy Johnny brought to the game and the positive influence he had on everyone who knew him. They also offered their support to Meredith, their children, and the entire Gaudreau family during this incredibly difficult time.
Johnny Gaudreau had just turned 31 on August 13th and had recently welcomed his second child, a son named Johnny, into the world on February 2nd. His brother Matthew, who was also a college hockey player, leaves behind his wife, Madeline, and other grieving family members.
