Johnny Gaudreau’s widow announces pregnancy with her third child at memorial service

The widow of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, Meredith Gaudreau, announced her pregnancy with her third child at the memorial service for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau on Monday.

“John and I had the best six months as a family of four. That will always be the best six months of my life,” Meredith Gaudreau said at the memorial service. “There is one week that I will always remember – that will be the best week of my life of those six months. We are actually a family of five. I am nine weeks pregnant with our third baby.”

She called the pregnancy a “total surprise.”

“John was beaming and so excited,” she said. “His reaction was to immediately kiss and hug me.”

Their first child, daughter Noa Harper Gaudreau, was born on September 30, 2022. Their second child, son Johnny Edward Gaudreau, was born on February 22.

“Noa, our oldest, is not even two years old yet. In less than three years of marriage, we have created a family of five,” said Meredith Gaudreau at the memorial service. “It sounds impossible, but I consider it the greatest blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies? Our last one is a blessing and so special despite these difficult circumstances.”

“To my babies: Daddy loves you all so much and you have the best daddy in the world,” she said.

On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were riding bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey, when they were struck and killed by a driver who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, according to police. The suspected driver was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, according to police.

Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, is also expecting their first child.

“The last week has felt like I’m trapped in a nightmare that I can’t wake up from,” said Madeline Gaudreau at the memorial service. “I feel numb, angry, sad and blessed all at the same time. Some days the thought of this new reality paralyzes me. But mostly I just miss Matt.”

“The 14 years we spent together will never be enough, but I will cherish them and carry them close to me, especially on the particularly difficult days,” she said.

“He was born to be a father,” said Madeline Gaudreau. “From the moment we found out about our son, Tripp, his daily life was all about it. He was downloading apps, ordering books, researching the best brand of diapers, making sure I got the best vitamins, and asking John for tips. I’ll never forget the tears in his eyes when he first heard Tripp’s heartbeat.”

“I know Matt will be there for his son for the rest of his life,” she said through tears.

She said she hopes her son and Meredith Gaudreau’s baby Johnny have the same bond as their fathers.

She said to Meredith Gaudreau: “I promise that I will always be there for you and the children.”

During the service, Madeline Gaudreau also made a special point of reminding people not to drive while under the influence of alcohol.

“Please do not subject any other family to this ordeal,” she said.

According to their former coaches, the Gaudreau brothers died the night before their sister Katie’s wedding.

The brothers were “always side by side” and “absolute best friends,” Meredith Gaudreau wrote on Instagram two days after their death.

“I don’t think John could live a day without you, so it comforts me to know that of course you are together in heaven,” she said in a message to her brother-in-law.

“Matty, thank you for loving our babies as if they were your own and for being such a great uncle and godfather,” she added, promising to take care of his wife Madeline and their future son.

“Please continue to take care of John like you always have. I’ll take care of Madeline and Tripp,” she said.