Monday marked the second birthday of Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau’s daughter, Noa Gaudreau, with a party for the former Columbus Blue Jackets star’s eldest child.
A month after Johnny’s tragic death in a bicycle accident, the birthday party was attended by several of his former Blue Jackets teammates, as well as friends and family.
Several photos from the event were shared by Meredith Gaudreau on Instagram. Sprinkled throughout photos from the party were memories of Johnny being a father and spending time with Noa.
One photo showed Meredith helping Noa eat part of her birthday cake, and another slide showed a group photo in front of a large banner that read “Happy Second Birthday Noa!”
Also on Meredith’s Instagram Story was a photo of Johnny looking through a door at his children, and Johnny and Noa playing with a talking cactus together.
A group photo from Noa Gaudreau’s second birthday party was shared by Meredith Gaudreau
Johnny Gaudreau died in August in a bicycle accident, leaving behind his wife and children
Johnny and his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, tragically died in late August while riding their bicycles along a New Jersey road, the day before their sister Katie’s wedding.
Katie’s wedding was postponed as the Gaudreau family mourned their losses.
The two were struck and killed by another vehicle driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
In documents seen by DailyMail.com, Higgins admitted to police that he drank “5-6 beers” before getting behind the wheel of his Jeep Grand Cherokee and crashing into the back of Johnny and Matthew.
The Blue Jackets have already paid tribute to Gaudreau and have several more planned throughout the NHL season.
Meredith and Johnny Gaudreau also have an 8-month-old son named Johnny, and a third child on the way.