Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's sister Katie reflects on year 2024: 'Life is cruel and unfair'

SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Katie Gaudreau is reflecting on a heartbreaking year after her brothers, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, were killed by a drunk driver the night before her wedding.

The brothers died while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 29, just hours before they were set to be groomsmen at Katie’s wedding. She has since rescheduled her ceremony for July 2025.

Katie Gaudreau says, '2024 I hate you,' after losing brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Katie Gaudreau, 26, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram on December 31 about her difficult year. “2024 I hate you,” she wrote, adding, “You went from what should have been the best year of my life to the worst.”

Reflecting on her personal growth after the tragedy she wrote, “You taught me that life is cruel and unfair. You made me feel so small and so lost but you didn’t get the best of me because I have come out stronger and wiser."

The post featured a slideshow of memories with Johnny and Matthew. She admitted her uncertainty about the coming year, stating, “2025 I am not sure how to feel about you yet because I don’t know how we leave 2024 like this.”

Matthew Gaudreau's wife Madeline welcomes baby

Matthew Gaudreau's wife, Madeline Gaudreau, gave birth to their child on December 29. She first shared the pregnancy news in June.

She posted a photo of their baby holding a hand alongside a sign reading, “He’s here.”

Madeline captioned the post, “Tripp Matthew Mommy & Daddy’s world,” on Instagram.

Katie reacted to the announcement, writing, “Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! Aunt Katie loves you, mommy, and daddy SOOOO much.”

Johnny and Matthew’s mother, Jane Gaudreau, also expressed her joy online.

“Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop’s hearts are overflowing with love for you, Tripp Matthew,” Jane shared via Instagram on December 29, mentioning her husband, Guy. “We are so incredibly proud of you and your mommy and I know your Daddy is too!” US Weekly noted.

Katie Gaudreau recalls tragic day, says 'life forever changed'

Katie Gaudreau reflected on the devastating day her brothers died. “That day,” she wrote on Instagram on September 5.

“Right in the middle of getting ready for the best day of my life the unthinkable happens that will change my life forever," she wrote.

She remembered how her biggest worry was practicing her dance dip before the tragedy.

“To think that was our biggest worry at this moment when in just a split second and a phone call later our lives would forever change,” Katie added.

In her message, she urged others to cherish their loved ones. “Remember to tell your people you love them. I would do anything to tell my big brothers I love them one more time,” Katie wrote.

Madeline also honored her late husband in October at her baby shower. “Baby Shower of my Dreams,” she captioned photos from the event on Instagram.

Madeline Gaudreau on how Matthew Gaudreau was excited about baby

During her eulogy, Madeline Gaudreau shared how Matthew Gaudreau was ready to be a father.

“For anyone that knows Matty knows he was born to be a dad. The moment we found out about our son Tripp, it consumed his every day," Madeline said

"He was downloading apps, ordering books, finding the best diaper brand, making sure I had the best vitamins and asking for tips from John,” Madeline added.

Johnny was survived by his wife, Meredith Gaudreau, and their two children, daughter Noa, now two, and son Johnny, now 10 months. At a memorial service in September, Meredith revealed she was nine weeks pregnant with their third baby.