Mourning the Unthinkable: Johnny Gaudreau’s Wife Shares Heartbreaking Details of Tragic Loss

In a poignant essay written for The Players Tribune, Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, revealed the devastating moment she learned of his tragic death in a biking accident alongside his brother Matthew. With raw emotion, Meredith recounted the day that changed her life forever, August 29, a day that was supposed to be filled with joy as the family had a wedding to attend the next day. Johnny had kissed their children – Noa, 2, Johnny, 14 months, and infant Carter, just seven months old – and his wife goodbye, promising to see them later.
The news of his passing came through a call from Johnny’s sister, Katie Gaudreau, who informed Meredith that something had happened but couldn’t provide details. As Meredith rushed to her in-laws’ house with her father, her mind was filled with thoughts of how she could support Johnny through whatever crisis had occurred, only to discover the unthinkable: both Johnny and Matthew had been killed.
Meredith described the “indescribable” shock she felt, being “keeled over for days” and left sick to her stomach. She found solace in sharing stories of the kind of father Johnny was to their children and has received significant support from their community and the hockey world.
The essay also highlighted Meredith’s appreciation for the memories they shared and the qualities Johnny passed down to their children. “I see those wonderful bits of you in our kids every day,” she wrote, noting Noa’s competitive spirit and her older son’s personality, which she believes will make him a “sweet guy, just like you.”
As Meredith continues to navigate her grief, she expressed gratitude for the time they had together, thanking Johnny for being her best friend, favorite person, and the man of her dreams. Her heartbreaking yet powerful tribute has resonated with many, offering a glimpse into the couple’s life and the impact of Johnny’s legacy on their family.
And there you have it – a heart-wrenching account of love, loss, and legacy that will continue to captivate and inspire many in the days to come.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E Online, The Players Tribune
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed