The widow of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau announced at his memorial service that she is pregnant with the couple’s third child.
The heartbreaking revelation comes after Gaudreau, known for his time with the Calgary Flames and more recently with the Columbus Blue Jackets, tragically passed away.
Gaudreau, who was just 31 years of age and led the Jackets team in point production, and his brother Matthew were killed when a vehicle struck them while they were riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, late last month.
Meredith Gaudreau spoke at the service and revealed the pregnancy she described as a “total surprise”.
“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 said, via ABC News.
“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.”
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Johnny Gaudreau’s Widow Announces She’s Pregnant
It would be hard to make the death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother any more tragic than it already is.
Johnny and Matthew were struck by a Jeep allegedly driven by Sean M. Higgins while riding their bikes on August 29th. Higgins was charged with driving under the influence, among other infractions including two counts of death by auto.
This incident occurred on the eve of their sister’s wedding.
Meredith Gaudreau said her husband was thrilled to learn of the pregnancy.
“John was beaming and so excited,” she said. “His reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me.”
The couple’s oldest child, daughter Noa Harper Gaudreau, will turn 2 years old later this month. Their youngest, a boy, was born earlier this year.
“In less than three years of marriage, we’ve created a family of five,” Meredith added. “It doesn’t even sound possible, but I look at it as the ultimate blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies? Our last one being a blessing and so special despite these difficult circumstances.”
Meredith Gaudreau revealed at Matthew and Johnny’s Memorial on Monday that Johnny was expecting his third child. ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/Sg71R1Sg5Y
— Hockey Patrol (@HockeyPatrol) September 9, 2024
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More Heartbreaking News
Adding to the emotional announcement from Johnny Gaudreau’s comments is the fact that his brother Matthew, who was killed at just the age of 29, also had some family news.
Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, is also pregnant with their first child.
“This last week has felt like I’ve been trapped in a nightmare I can’t wake up from,” Madeline Gaudreau said at the service. “I feel numb, angry, sad, blessed all at once. Some days the thought of this new reality is debilitating. But mostly, I just miss Matt.”
She added, “The 14 years we spent together will never be enough, but I will cherish those and carry them close to me, especially on the extremely hard days.”
Higgins, the man behind the wheel of the vehicle that killed both men, remains in custody at the Salem County Correctional Facility. His next significant court appearance is scheduled for the end of this week.
He has not been offered bail, indicating the severity of the charges he faces.
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