In the wake of the tragic death of Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, Johnny’s wife, Meredith, has revealed that they were expecting their third child. During a heartfelt eulogy on Monday, she shared, “John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life. There’s specifically one week that I will cherish forever — it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months. We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby.”
Meredith described the pregnancy as a “total surprise,” noting that Johnny’s immediate reaction was to embrace her with joy upon receiving the news. The couple has two young children, with their oldest daughter, Noa, not yet two years old, and a son named Johnny born in February.
Tragically, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau lost their lives when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver while riding bikes just before their sister’s wedding. The accused driver faces two charges of death by auto.
In a personal tribute, their sister Kate Gaudreau postponed her wedding but honored her brothers by adding “J&M” to her wedding band, expressing her sentiments on Instagram with the message, “Forever with me now. J & M.”
Matthew was also expecting his first child with his wife Madeline, who shared during the memorial service that he was incredibly excited to be a father. “He was born to be a dad,” she said. Madeline disclosed that the moment they learned their baby, Tripp, would be joining them, Matthew was eager to prepare for fatherhood, engaging in all the necessary preparations and asking for advice from Johnny. She is due to give birth in December.