Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith announces birth of their third child 7 months after his death

SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Meredith Gaudreau has welcomed a baby boy just seven months after the tragic death of her husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau.

She gave birth to their third child, Carter Michael Gaudreau, on April 1, and she shared the emotional update on social media six days later, on Monday, April 7. 

Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith announces birth of third child

Meredith Gaudreau shared the news in a 14-photo carousel on Instagram, showing moments from the delivery room and her time with her three children.

“I had our third baby! 4/1/25. Another baby boy,” she wrote.

“Carter Michael Gaudreau - same middle name as his daddy. 8lb 3 ounces, 20.5 inches - exact same as his daddy. He looks exactly like his daddy too 🥰.”

“I love you so much my baby!” she added. “We are going to have so much fun. I can’t wait to give you the best life, my special boy forever," she concluded.

The birth comes three months after Madeline Gaudreau, wife of Johnny’s brother Matthew Gaudreau, gave birth to their first child, Tripp Matthew. Both Johnny and Matthew died in a bike accident in August 2024.

Meredith revealed she was pregnant in her eulogy for Johnny Gaudreau 

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were biking on Country Route 551 North near their hometown in New Jersey on August 29, 2024, when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver.

The driver, Sean M Higgins, was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto. The investigation remains open.

During a memorial for the brothers, Meredith announced her pregnancy. The couple had married in September 2021 and were already parents to daughter Noa, born in September 2022, and son Johnny, born in February 2024.

“We’re actually a family of five,” Meredith said in her eulogy. “I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited.”

Reflecting on their family, she added, “In less than three years of marriage, we’ve created a family of five. It doesn’t even sound possible."

She added, "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.”

“To my babies, Daddy loves you all so much and you have the best daddy in the world,” she added.

Meredith's tribute to 'perfect' Johnny Gaudreau

Meredith Gaudreau first broke her silence after Johnny’s death on August 31, writing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

“Thank you for the best years of my life,” she wrote. “Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much."

"You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever," she wrote.

She later posted more pictures of Johnny and their family, and in one post, she honored him as a devoted father.

“The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with. John never missed a single appointment,” she wrote.

“Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy.”