NHL Community Mourns the Tragic Loss of Johnny Gaudreau
Friends, family, and fans gathered on Monday to honor the memory of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically lost his life in a cycling accident last month. The Columbus Blue Jackets winger was not alone in his last moments; he and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were enjoying a bicycle ride in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were struck and killed by a drunk driver. The driver involved was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Attendees included Johnny’s Columbus Blue Jackets teammates and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who joined the Gaudreau family in mourning this irreplaceable loss. The emotional gathering was further heightened when Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s wife, gave a heartfelt eulogy revealing she is pregnant with their third child. "We're actually a family of five. I'm in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited," she shared, adding a poignant layer of sorrow to an already heartbreaking moment.
The couple’s growing family includes two young children. Their daughter, Noa Harper Gaudreau, was born on September 30, 2022, and their son, Johnny Edward Gaudreau, on February 22, 2024. Recalling her late husband’s pure joy, Meredith noted, "I was so nervous because this was, again, a total surprise. But his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car. After the initial excitement sank in, every time he looked at me, he would say, 'You're nuts, you know that? Three kids?'"
The close bond shared by the Gaudreau family was palpable in Meredith’s words as she reminisced about the past months. "John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life," she expressed, encapsulating the joy and love they experienced as a young family. "There's specifically one week that I will cherish forever -- it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months," she added, reflecting the depth of their cherished moments together.
The Gaudreau brothers were in New Jersey to participate as groomsmen in their sister’s wedding, an event that was meant to be a celebration of love and unity. Tragically, it became a scene of unfathomable grief. Adding to the family’s sorrow, Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline, is expecting their first child, underscoring the depth of the loss experienced by the Gaudreau family.
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as "Johnny Hockey," had an illustrious career that left a lasting impact on the NHL and its community. His skill, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm for the game earned him an enduring place in the hearts of fans and teammates alike. The outpouring of support at his memorial service was a testament to his far-reaching influence both on and off the ice.
As the hockey world grapples with this sudden and tragic loss, the legacy of Johnny Gaudreau will live on. The love he had for his family, the joy he brought to his fans, and the camaraderie he shared with his teammates will be remembered and cherished. The Gaudreau family’s resilience in the face of such profound sorrow epitomizes the strength and unity that Johnny himself displayed throughout his life.
The NHL community stands united in support of the Gaudreau family during this unimaginably difficult time. While words can offer little solace, the collective memory of Johnny Gaudreau’s life and career will serve as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the love and joy one person can bring into the world.