Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, revealed at his memorial service on Monday that she is nine weeks pregnant with their third child.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, tragically died on August 29. They were struck by an alleged drunk driver while biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
The Gaudreau family, which included Johnny and Meredith’s two children—daughter Noa, who will turn 2 in October, and son Johnny, who is 7 months old—was deeply affected by the loss.
At the memorial service for Johnny and Matthew, Meredith shared the news of her pregnancy. “John and I had the best six months as a family of four. Those months will always be the best of my life,” Meredith Gaudreau said, according to ABC News. “There is one particular week from those six months that I will cherish forever. We’re actually a family of five now. I’m nine weeks pregnant with our third baby.”
Meredith recalled that Johnny’s reaction to the news of the pregnancy was filled with joy. “He was beaming and so excited,” she said. “His immediate reaction was to kiss and hug me. The pregnancy was a total surprise, especially since we had just welcomed our second child, Johnny, in February.”
“Noa, our oldest, hasn’t even turned 2 yet,” Meredith added. “In less than three years of marriage, we’ve grown to a family of five. It feels like an ultimate blessing. I feel so fortunate to be the mother of John’s three children, with this last one being especially precious despite the circumstances.”
Matthew Gaudreau’s widow, Madeline, is also expecting their first child, named Tripp. A GoFundMe campaign to support Madeline and Tripp has raised nearly $650,000 as of Monday.
Both Meredith and Madeline spoke at the memorial service held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania. Attendees included Johnny and Matthew’s teammates and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Meredith, who recently celebrated her third wedding anniversary with Johnny, reflected on their bond. “Everything was always John and Matty,” she said. “John wouldn’t have been able to live a day without his brother.”
Madeline, during her speech, urged people to avoid drinking and driving. “I ask everyone to not drink and drive,” she said. “Find a ride. Please don’t put another family through this pain.”
The alleged drunk driver, Sean M. Higgins, was reportedly trying to pass another vehicle when he fatally collided with the Gaudreau brothers. He has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny and Matthew were in town to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding, which has since been postponed.
