Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith announces she is pregnant at his funeral following tragic bike accident death: ‘We are actually a family of five’
The wife of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau announced Monday during an emotional tribute at his funeral that she is nine weeks pregnant with their third child.
Meredith Gaudreau made the announcement in an emotional speech to relatives attending the service for Johnny and his brother Matthew, who were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in New Jersey.
“In less than three years of marriage, we have created a family of five,” she said. “It doesn’t even sound possible, but I see it as the ultimate blessing. How fortunate I am to be the mother of John’s three babies, our last one is a blessing and so special despite these difficult circumstances.”
Johnny is survived by his wife, whom he married in September 2021, and two young children: a one-year-old daughter, Noa, and a son, Johnny, who was born just six months ago.
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s wife revealed she is nine weeks pregnant with their third child during a tearful tribute at his funeral on Monday
Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith, whom he married in September 2021, and two young children: one-year-old daughter Noa and baby boy Johnny – born just six months ago
The widow added that when she shared the news with her husband, he was “beaming” and “so excited.”
“I was so nervous because this was a total surprise again, but his reaction was he immediately kissed me and hugged me,” Meredith said.
Matthew and Johnny were killed in a bicycle accident on August 29, the night before their sister was to be married.
Sean Higgins, 43, an alleged drunk driver accused of killing the brother and sister, was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide after he struck them as they were bicycling on a highway in Salem County, New Jersey.
The expectant mother of three was seen holding her daughter and son as she entered St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania on Monday afternoon
Johnny and Meredith on their wedding day
The expectant mother of three was seen holding her daughter and son as she entered St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania, on Monday afternoon.
Dozens of mourners packed the church for the service, which came less than two weeks after the fatal crash. A private viewing was held on Sunday.
The brothers’ widows paid emotional tribute to their husbands on Monday, recalling the close bond they shared as siblings and their dedication to family.
“I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be his wife,” Meredith said. “He was and still is my soulmate.”
Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, who is pregnant with their child, remembers how the brothers “bonded.”
“John took care of Matty, and Matty took care of John… You didn’t hear one name without the other,” she said.
The widow added that when she shared the news with her husband, he was “radiant” and “so excited.” (Pictured: Johnny with his children)
Matthew’s wife Madeline, who is expected to give birth to their son Tripp in late December, is seen entering the church on Monday for her husband and brother-in-law’s service
Madeline, married to Matthew for over three years, is expected to give birth to their son Tripp in late December.
Sean Higgins, 43, an alleged drunk driver accused of killing the siblings, was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide after he struck them as they were bicycling on a Salem County highway
A GoFundMe page was created to support the widow and her future son. As of Monday afternoon, more than $647,000 had been raised.
More than two hours before the service began, loved ones and devoted fans gathered at the church.
In attendance were members of the Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, former Boston College coach Jerry York and numerous members of the hockey community.
The fatal crash happened less than three miles from the Gaudreau family home the night before Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding, which has since been postponed, DailyMail.com has learned.
The fatal crash happened less than three miles from the Gaudreau family home, the night before Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.
Johnathan and Matthew’s mother, father and two sisters join the service
Higgins appeared virtually for his initial preliminary hearing on Thursday. The judge in the case postponed the hearing until Sept. 13 to give attorneys more time to prepare.
The 43-year-old man is being held in a Salem County, New Jersey jail and has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, reckless driving, possession of an open container and alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Attorneys Matthew Portella and Richard Klineburger III, who hired Higgins, said in a statement: “This is a deeply emotional tragedy that has impacted many people. It is too early in the legal process to make any out-of-court rulings.”
Fans, current and former players paid tribute to the brothers at candlelight events in Columbus, Ohio, and Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Wednesday night.
A 13-minute, 21-second silent memorial for the brothers was held outside Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Johnny and Matthew played the numbers 13 and 21, respectively.
The brothers are seen with their sister Katie, who has postponed her wedding after their deaths
A slideshow featured photos of the siblings through their childhood, teenage years, college hockey, the pros, weddings, baptisms and more in their lives.
Bagpipes blared outside the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary as thousands turned out to remember Johnny, who was selected 104th overall by the Flames in the 2011 NHL draft.
Lewis Gross, the brothers’ agent, said Thursday that it took him some time to write about what it meant to him to represent the brothers over the past 15 years.
“Hockey may be over, but my commitment to John and Matt will last a lifetime,” Gross wrote on social media. “These guys taught me so much. They taught me what family really means.”