Friends and family, including members of the Columbus Blue Jackets and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, gathered Monday to pay their respects to NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed in a cycling accident last month.
During a heartfelt eulogy for her husband, Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, revealed she is pregnant with the couple’s third child.
“We’re actually a family of five,” Meredith Gaudreau said during her eulogy. “I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited.
“I was so nervous because this was, again, a total surprise. But his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car. After the initial excitement sank in, every time he looked at me, he would say, ‘You’re nuts, you know that? Three kids?'”
Meredith Gaudreau also took the opportunity to reflect on her relationship with the Blue Jackets star during her 40-minute eulogy. The couple previously had Noa Harper Gaudreau, who was born on Sept. 30, 2022, along with Johnny Edward Gaudreau (born on Feb. 22, 2024).
“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 Gaudreau added. “There’s specifically one week that I will cherish forever — it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months.”
Gaudreau, 31, along with his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were riding bicycles in OIdmans Township, New Jersey when they were struck and killed by a drunk driver, according to police. The driver was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, was also pregnant with their first child at the time of his death. The Gaudreau brothers were in town to be groomsmen in their sister’s wedding at the time of their deaths.
The hockey world was left in shock and sadness when NHL star Johnny Gaudreau tragically passed away last month. The beloved player was known for his skill on the ice and his kind heart off of it, making his sudden death all the more devastating for fans, friends, and family alike.
In a touching and emotional eulogy delivered at Gaudreau’s funeral, his widow, Sarah, announced that she is expecting their third child. The news came as a bittersweet moment for those in attendance, as they mourned the loss of a great athlete while celebrating the new life that was growing within Sarah.
Sarah spoke lovingly of her late husband, sharing memories of their life together and expressing gratitude for the time they had shared. She also expressed her excitement and joy at the prospect of welcoming another child into their family, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the pregnancy.
The announcement of Sarah’s pregnancy in such a public and heartfelt way serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. In the face of tragedy, Sarah has chosen to focus on the hope and happiness that new life brings, demonstrating a remarkable ability to find light in the darkness.
As the hockey community continues to mourn the loss of Johnny Gaudreau, they can take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through his family. The news of Sarah’s pregnancy serves as a poignant reminder of the circle of life, and the power of love to endure even in the face of great loss.
In the midst of grief, Sarah’s announcement offers a glimmer of hope and joy, reminding us all to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones and to embrace the future with open hearts. Johnny Gaudreau may be gone, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and in the new life that is soon to join their family.
