Meredith Gaudreau calls late husband Johnny’s wake ‘special’

Meredith Gaudreau feels the support of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames while mourning the death of her late husband, Johnny Gaudreauand his brother Matthew Gaudreau.

“I like to think that these two cities are doing this for John on our wedding anniversary, which is pretty special,” she wrote on her Instagram Story on Wednesday, September 4. “Given the different time zones, both vigils were around the time we had our first dance together as husband and wife.”

(Johnny has been playing as a forward for the Blue Jackets since the 2022-2023 season. He was first drafted by the Flames in 2011 and made his NHL debut in 2013-2014. He played for the Flames for nine seasons before signing with Columbus. His brother Matthew played for Boston College.)

Meredith celebrated her and Johnny’s third wedding anniversary on Instagram the same day as the vigil.

“I never post this much, but John deserves it. Three years ago today, I became yours forever,” she wrote under a carousel of photos from their wedding. “One of the best days of my life, including the night we got engaged and the days we brought our children into the world. I remember the day I met you, I said, oh my god, I’m going to marry him. And every day has been better and better. I love you forever, John, and I’m so proud to be your wife.”

On August 29, Johnny and Matthew were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were rear-ended by a vehicle and killed. The driver, Sean M. Higginswas arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter. It is alleged that Higgins, 43, was drunk at the time of the incident, Us Weekly confirmed. Johnny was 31 and Matthew 29 at the time of their deaths.

The brothers were killed just one day before their sister’s death, Katie Gaudreauhe was going to marry his fiancée Devin JoyceBoth Johnny and Matthew were scheduled to be groomsmen at the wedding, which was postponed.

“My brothers loved Devin more than he will ever know,” Katie shared on Instagram earlier this week. “They were so excited for us to get married. When the day comes, they will dance and celebrate more than anyone.”

Related: Matthew Gaudreau and his wife Madeline Gaudreau’s relationship timeline

Matthew Gaudreau and his wife Madeline Gaudreau were together for almost 15 years — and married for three — before his untimely death. “The best 14 years of my life 🤍 I will cherish these years and you for the rest of my life,” Madeline wrote on Instagram in September 2024, days after her husband and his (…)

Johnny and Matthew are survived by their parents, sister, and wives, Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau.

After their death, Johnny and Matthew’s uncle Jim Gaudreau issued a statement on behalf of their family.

“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two incredible human beings,” the statement read. “We want everyone to know that we receive your messages of love and support and appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.”