Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, shared a series of tributes from family and friends after her late husband and brother-in-law’s tragic passing from a bike crash on Thursday night.
Johnny and brother Matthew, both ex-professional hockey players, were struck by a vehicle while cycling in New Jersey on the eve of their sister’s wedding.
Three days after their death, Meredith posted heartbreaking tributes from friends and family remembering Johnny’s life on her Instagram story.
The first story came from Meredith’s sister, Lily, talking about how Johnny snuck out of his bachelor party and showed up at their parents’ house to be with his then-future wife.
‘A small glimpse into how much he loves my sister,’ Lily wrote about what she called ‘one of my favorite memories.’
Johnny Gaudreau’s widow Meredith posted a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband
Johnny and his brother Matthew were killed in a tragic bike crash in New Jersey on Thursday
Between a series of pictured memories from the people close to him, Meredith also posted a video tribute from Johnny’s previous team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the clip, Johnny acknowledged how close he is to his family before a montage featuring all aspects of his life unfolded.
‘Idk how I got so lucky,’ Meredith wrote. ‘The best guy in the world. The best smile ever. His eyes are my favorite. I love you my husband and best friend.’
Among the tributes shared on Meredith’s story was from Johnny’s former teammate and Pittsburgh Penguins star Kevin Hayes. Hayes lost his brother and former NHLer Jimmy in August 2021, the day after his son’s second birthday.
On his Instagram story, Kevin posted a photo of Gaudreau reaching out to give Hayes’ nephew, Beau, a high five.
‘Love you John!’ Hayes said on Instagram. ‘Say hello to Beau’s Dad for me.’
In a prolonged post paired with a carousel of their photos, Hayes wrote: ’14 years ago I was asked to walk Johnny and Matty around Boston College campus not knowing the friendships I was going to gain. I am so thankful the Gaudreau’s entered my life. Any person who met them truly was happier.’
Meredith reposted a tribute from her sister Lily, highlighting Johnny’s love for her
Meredith also shared a tribute from Johnny’s former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets
A graphic displays the crash that killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on Thursday night
‘I can’t fathom the fact that I cannot call John again. He was the most humble, grounded, funniest, stubborn superstar I have ever seen. He was always told he was too small and used it to become the best. He was the best friend, father, husband, brother, son and teammate we all could ask for.’
‘It’s impossible to express how much you guys will be missed. The world will not be the same without the Gaudreau brothers. Till we meet again.’
Johnny and Meredith got married in September 2021 and had their firstborn, Nora Harper, on October 3, 2022.
The pair welcomed their second child, Johnny Edward, on February 27 this year. Meanwhile, Matthew’s widow, Madeline, is expected to give birth to their first child, Tripp, late in December.
In a tribute to her late brother-in-law, Meredith wrote: ‘Matty, thank you for loving our babies like your own and for being such an amazing uncle and godfather. I can’t wait to return the honor when I become Tripp’s aunt.’
‘I don’t think John could live a day without you so I’m comforted knowing you are of course together in heaven. Please continue to take care of John like you always have. I got Madeline and Tripp. We love you very much.’
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk