Johnny Gaudreau's Wife Meredith Thanks Jimmy Hayes' Widow for Her Support: ‘Members of a Club Nobody Wants to Be in’

Mar. 15, 2025

Johnny Gaudreau and wife Meredith Gaudreau.Photo:Johnny Gaudreau/Instagram

Johnny Gaudreau/Instagram

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, is grateful for the support that she has received in the wake of Johnny’s death.

On Monday, Sept. 9, the late ice hockey player’s widow reshared words of encouragement from Jimmy Hayes’ wife, Kristen Hayes.

Johnny, 31, and his fellow ice-hockey player brother Matthew, 29, were killed on Aug. 29 after an alleged drunk driver crashed into them. The brothers had been riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, N.J., the night before their sister Katie’s wedding.

“We are members of a club no one wants to be in,” Meredith wrote on her Instagram Stories. “Love you, Kristen.”

Sharing a post about Meredith delivering Johnny’s eulogy at his funeral, Kristen wrote, “I’m so proud of you Meredith. I’m so glad I found the strength to speak at Jimmy’s services.”

“Some days I have no idea how we do it, but we do. I know every single emotion you are feeling today and every other day after that. You’re incredible,” she continued.

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Meredith Gaudreau thanked Jimmy Hayes' widow Kristen for her support.Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram

Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram

Kristen’s first husbanddied at the age of 31 in 2021, just three months after the pair welcomed their second son Mac.

“Unimaginable news this morning. Heartbroken. There are no words,” she wrote at the time alongside a broken heart emoji.

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Meredith and the Columbus Blue Jackets star shared seven-month-old son Johnny and daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October.

Addressing Meredith during her speech at the funeral of their husbands, Madeline said, “I promise I will always be there for youand the kids and that we will honor the lives of our husbands together, hand in hand, alongside their family and friends.”

source: people.com