Meredith Gaudreau shares additional details on Johnny Gaudreau’s passing

Hockey fans around the world are still grieving the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew, who passed away when they were stuck and killed by a drunk driver while riding bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 29, on the eve of their sister’s wedding. Sean Higgins was arrested and charges with the brothers’ deaths.

In her moving eulogy on Monday, Johnny’s widow Meredith Gaudreau shared some additional details on the passing of her husband and brother in law, saying:

“I want to say to everyone that neither John [nor] Matty suffered,” Meredith said at St. Mary Magdalen Parish outside Philadelphia.

It is suspected that the suspected drunk driver collided with Johnny and Matthew from behind.

“As a result of the collision, the two pedal cyclists sustained fatal injuries,” the New Jersey State Police said at the time.

Johnny was 31 years old at the time of his death, while Matthew was 29. In her eugoly, Meredith Gaudreau also revealed she is currently nine weeks pregnant with the couple’s third child. She and Johnny also shared daughter Noa, 23 months, and son Johnny, 6 months. The couple married three years ago.

“John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life,” Meredith said Monday. “There is specifically one week that I will cherish forever. It will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months. We are actually a family of 5…

“I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited.”

“To my babies: Daddy loves you all so much, and you have the best daddy in the world.’’

Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline, is also expecting a child, the couple’s first, a son due in December. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Madeline and their son, who will be named Tripp.

“I know Matt will surround his son for the rest of his life,” Madeline said through tears.

It had to be somewhat comforting to know that her husband did not suffer when he was struck and that he was not alone when he passed, having his brother and best friend by his side.

“It makes me feel better knowing whatever silly conversation they were having just picked right back up in heaven in a flash,” Meredith said during her emotional speech. “I can hear their laughs so well in the back of my head. Something else that is getting me through is that they would not want to see me like this because they were both so sweet and cared so much about other people.

“I’m trying, for them, to spread that message and to be more like them. Kind to everyone, selfless and fun to be around. Two loving sons and brothers and friends, the best uncles in the world and the best husbands and fathers.”

On Tuesday, Meredith Gaudreau shared another emotional post on her late husband, giving her support to Montreal Canadiens’ Cole Caufield, who has recently changed his number to 13 in honour of Johnny.

My thoughts keep going out to Meredith and Madeline, their kids, and the entire Gaudreau clan.