Gaudreau, 31, was killed alongside his brotherMatthew Gaudreau, 29, on Aug. 29 when an alleged drunk driver crashed into them while they were riding their bikes along in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
The Columbus Blue Jackets star and his wife Meredith shared two children together, daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, who is 7 months old.
During a memorial service for the Gaudreau brothers on Monday, Meredith announced that she is expecting another child with her late husband next year.
Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram
Meredith said her late husband “was beaming and so excited,” according to ABC News. “His reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me,” she said, noting the pregnancy was a “total surprise” to them. The couple had just welcomed their second child, Johnny, in February.
“Noa, our oldest, hasn’t even turned 2 yet,” Meredith said. “In less than three years of marriage, we’ve created a family of five. 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.”
Matthew’s widow Madeline is also pregnant with their first child, named Tripp. AGoFundMe fundraiserwas launched in support of Madeline and Tripp earlier this month, raising nearly $650,000 as of Monday.
Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau.Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram
Both Meredith and Madeline spoke at their husbands’ memorial service on Monday, according toThe Associated Press. In addition to family, Johnny and Matthews’ current and former teammates were in attendance for the service at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Penn., as well as NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau in 2014.Richard T Gagnon/Getty
Richard T Gagnon/Getty
“Everything was always John and Matty,” said Meredith, who recently markedher and Johnny’s third wedding anniversarylast Wednesday. “I know John would not have been able to live a day without his brother.”
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Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau with daughter Noa in 2022.Columbus Blue Jackets/Instagram
Columbus Blue Jackets/Instagram
When Madeline spoke, she pleaded for others to reconsider drinking and driving in the future. “I urge everyone to not drink and drive,” Madeline said, according to the AP. “Find a ride. Please don’t put another family through this torture.”
Johnny and Matthew were in town to serve as groomsmen for their sister Katie’s wedding, set to take place the next day, which has been postponed.
source: people.com