Johnny Gaudreau's wife announces pregnancy during memorial service, says 'we’re actually family of five'

SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, made a heart-wrenching announcement about being pregnant during a memorial service on September 9.

The service honored both Johnny, 31, and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, who tragically died in a biking accident on August 29.

The two brothers were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver in Salem County, New Jersey, a day before their sister Katie's wedding. The driver has since been charged with two counts of death by auto, according to the authorities.

Meredith Gaudreau's touching pregnancy reveal

During the memorial, Meredith Gaudreau, while tearing up, shared the unexpected news of her pregnancy.

"John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life," Meredith told the audience at the service. She went on to reveal, "We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby," ABC News reported. 

The pregnancy came as a complete surprise to the Gaudreau family and Meredith recounted John’s heartfelt reaction.

"John was beaming and so excited," she said. "His reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me," Meredith added.

Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau share two children

Meredith Gaudreau and Johnny share two young children. Their first child, daughter Noa Harper Gaudreau, was born on September 30, 2022, while their second son Johnny Edward Gaudreau, was born on February 22.

Despite the challenges ahead, Meredith expressed gratitude for the family they built in such a short time.

"Noa, our oldest, hasn’t even turned 2 yet. In less than three years of marriage, we’ve created a family of five," Meredith said.

"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," Meredith Gaudreau shared during the emotional service.

Matthew Gaudreau's wife is expecting their first child

Matthew Gaudreau’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, is also expecting their first child. Madeline, who shared her pregnancy news in an Instagram post in June, is due to give birth on December 31, 2024.

"Baby Gaudreau Arriving in December," Madeline had captioned a black-and-white photo of the couple with ultrasound images of their unborn baby.

A GoFundMe page was set up soon after the tragic accident to support Madeline and their child, Tripp.

Amid the heartbreaking loss, Madeline has remained strong, pledging to "keep going" for their baby.

Internet praises Meredith Gaudreau's 'strength' as she announces pregnancy 

The online community has also expressed overwhelming support for both families, with one social media user praising Meredith's strength.

"My heart is absolutely breaking right now for the Gaudreau family even more right now. It just came out at the memorial service that Johnny Gaudreau 's wife is pregnant with their 3rd Child. So it's not just Johnny's Brother ,Matthew who was expecting a child of his own," wrote one on X.

Another added, "Meredith Gaudreau is pregnant with their third child. I literally cannot fathom the strength this woman has." 

"Yeah so i’m at work choking up and trying not to bawl in the bathroom because of that eulogy from meredith gaudreau," wrote another. 

"Meredith Gaudreau is one of the strongest people on this planet. Grieving the loss of your husband and caring for 2 young children, all while being pregnant… I can’t even begin to imagine her pain," wrote one more.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.