Johnny Gaudreau’s widow Meredith shared a number of tributes from family and friends following the tragic passing of her late husband and brother-in-law in a bicycle accident on Thursday night.
Johnny and his brother Matthew, both former professional hockey players, were struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes in New Jersey on the eve of their sister’s wedding.
Three days after his death, Meredith posted heartbreaking tributes from friends and family remembering Johnny’s life on her Instagram Story.
The first story came from Meredith’s sister Lily, talking about how Johnny snuck out of his bachelor party and showed up at her parents’ house to be with his then-future wife.
“A little token of how much my sister loves me,” Lily wrote of what she called “one of my favorite memories.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, posted a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband
Johnny and his brother Matthew died in a tragic bicycle accident in New Jersey on Thursday.
Among a series of picture memories from people close to him, Meredith also posted a tribute video from Johnny’s former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the clip, Johnny acknowledged how close he is to his family before a montage played out showing all aspects of his life.
“I don’t know how I got so lucky,” Meredith wrote. “The best guy in the world. The best smile in the world. His eyes are my favorite. I love you, my husband and my best friend.”
Among the tributes shared about Meredith’s story was one from Johnny’s former teammate and Pittsburgh Penguins star Kevin Hayes. Hayes lost his brother and former NHL player Jimmy in August 2021, the day after his son’s second birthday.
On his Instagram Story, Kevin posted a photo of Gaudreau reaching out to give Hayes’ nephew Beau a high-five.
“I love you, John!” Hayes said on Instagram. “Say hi to Beau’s dad for me.”
In a lengthy post accompanied by a carousel of her photos, Hayes wrote: “14 years ago I was asked to walk Johnny and Matty around the Boston College campus not knowing the friendships I would make. I am so grateful that the Gaudreaus came into my life. Anyone who knew them was truly happier.”
Meredith reposted a tribute to her sister Lily, highlighting Johnny’s love for her.
Meredith also shared a tribute from Johnny’s former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
A graphic shows the crash that killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Thursday night.
“I can’t fathom the fact that I can’t call John back. He was the most humble, down-to-earth, funny, headstrong superstar I’ve ever seen. He was always told he was too small and he used that to become the best. He was the best friend, father, husband, brother, son and teammate we could all ask for.”
“It is impossible to express how much we will miss them. The world will not be the same without the Gaudreau brothers. Until we meet again.”
Johnny and Meredith tied the knot in September 2021 and welcomed their first child, Nora Harper, on October 3, 2022.
The couple welcomed their second child, Johnny Edward, on February 27 this year. Meanwhile, Matthew’s widow Madeline is expected to give birth to their first child, Tripp, in late December.
In a tribute to her late brother-in-law, Meredith wrote: “Matty, thank you for loving our babies like they were your own and for being such a wonderful uncle and godfather. I can’t wait to return the honour when I become Tripp’s aunt.”
“I don’t think John could live a day without you, so I take comfort in knowing that you are, of course, together in heaven. Please continue to take care of John as you always have. I have Madeline and Tripp. We love you very much.”