Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith pens emotional tribute after NHL star and brother are killed
SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, has broken her silence on social media, sharing a heartfelt tribute to her husband after he and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were tragically killed on Thursday evening, August 29, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
The brothers were struck by a suspected drunk driver, Sean M Higgins, on the eve of their sister Katie's wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce.
The tragic incident occurred while they were biking on County Route 551.
Meredith Gaudreau pays tribute to husband Johnny Gaudreau: 'You are my forever'
In the wake of the tragedy, Meredith Gaudreau took to Instagram to express her grief and love for Johnny Gaudreau.
The young couple shared two young children—daughter Noa who will turn two in October and son Johnny who is just seven months old.
Meredith shared two heartfelt posts that included a series of pictures depicting their relationship over the years.
"Thank you for the best years of my life. Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much," she penned.
View this post on Instagram
She added that Johnny was "perfect" and that 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," Meredith expressed her deep affection for her late husband.
Meredith Gaudreau honors Johnny Gaudreau as a devoted father
Johnny Gaudreau was known as "Johnny Hockey" for his elite play in the NHL.
Meredith remembered him as "the absolute best dad in the world," in one more post.
She shared that Johnny was, "So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with."
"John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye," heartbroken Meredith wrote.
View this post on Instagram
"I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy," she concluded the post.
Johnny Gaudreau's sister Katie Gaudreau calls off her wedding amid tragic loss
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's sister, Katie, was forced to call off her wedding to Devin Joyce, which had been planned for Friday, August 30, at the Parish of St Mary in Gloucester City, NJ, reported Page Six.
The brothers were set to serve as groomsmen in the ceremony, while their sister, Kristen Venello, was to be the maid of honor.
The tragedy struck just hours before the family was to gather for the wedding, turning what should have been a joyous occasion into a heartbreaking ordeal.
Higgins, 43, was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto after reportedly hitting the brothers while attempting to maneuver around an SUV.
He allegedly failed a sobriety test and admitted to consuming five or six beers before the incident.
