Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of Johnny Gaudreau, penned a touching Father’s Day tribute to the late NHL all-star and father of her three children.
The piece, which was published on The Players’ Tribune on Thursday, also revealed her initial reaction to learning about the tragedy that befell Johnny and his brother Matthew Gaudreau last August.
The brothers, who were in their hometown of Salem, N.J., for their sister’s wedding, were biking on the evening of Aug. 29, 2024, in nearby Oldmans Township when they were mowed down by a vehicle that was allegedly being operated by an impaired driver.
“Katie (Gaudreau) called and she said something had happened, but she didn’t know what exactly. My dad drove me over to your parents and I was thinking the whole time about how I was going to help you through whatever it could be that had happened to Matty. And then I walked up the front porch and learned the absolute worst had happened and that it was both of you,” Meredith wrote as if addressing a letter to Johnny.
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“I was in shock. I was keeled over for days sick to my stomach. It’s completely indescribable. The only person who can relate to me is my own sister-in-law. I see her and my heart breaks for her. I’m sick for her.
“We had just celebrated their gender reveal. We were all just down the shore together and had so much fun. Matty made me laugh so much that weekend.
“I thought of our baby inside of me. I couldn’t stand up. I was awake and having nightmares. Thinking of you in that moment. Thinking of Matty. It’s just the worst thing I could have ever imagined.
“In an instant, I missed you more than I knew was possible. And I haven’t stopped missing you since.”
In the touching tribute, Meredith also shares stories about meeting the former Flames star, their wedding and the family’s move to Columbus, Ohio, after he signed with the Blue Jackets before the 2022-23 season.
Meredith, who gave birth to the couple’s third child Carter Michael Gaudreau earlier this year, ended her letter by sharing how much each of the kids reminds her of Johnny.
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“I feel so lucky for them. I care about nothing but giving them all my love and all of yours that I am capable of giving,” she wrote.
“I promise you I will raise them to be the best versions of themselves. They will be kind and humble and passionate and caring and all the things I loved about you. I promise. And when the time comes for me to tell them about you, they’ll know how remarkable their dad was.
“You were humble, you were responsible, you were hard-working. You were the sweetest boyfriend, the greatest husband, and the best father.
“You wanted everything to be about me and the kids. You would have done anything for them. I know that. And they will know it, too. I promise, John.”
Johnny played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, while Matthew played minor-league hockey. Matthew’s wife, Madeline, gave birth to their first child, Tripp Matthew Gaudreau, late last year.
Sean Higgins has been charged with six counts including aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident in connection with the crash. He pleaded not guilty to the counts in January and the case is ongoing.