Madeline Gaudreau, the wife of the late hockey star Matthew Gaudreau, recently made a heartfelt revelation about a conversation she wishes she could have had with her husband before his untimely passing. In a poignant Good Morning America appearance on August 13, 2025, Madeline shared her thoughts on the one thing she wished she could have told her late husband, who tragically lost his life at the age of 29. The couple’s world was shattered when Matthew and his brother Johnny Gaudreau, a fellow hockey star, were fatally struck by an alleged drunk driver while attending their sister’s wedding in New Jersey on August 29, 2024. Despite the driver pleading not guilty, the devastating loss left a profound impact on their loved ones.
During the emotional interview with Good Morning America, Madeline reflected on her late husband, describing him as a “pure, happy, good soul” and highlighting how he had made her a better person. The couple’s son, Tripp Matthew, was born a few months after Matthew’s passing, bringing a bittersweet mix of joy and sorrow into Madeline’s life. She revealed that becoming a mother was a journey she had never expected to embark on so soon, as she had initially felt they were too young to start a family. However, Matthew had always harbored a deep desire to have children, a fact that Madeline came to appreciate even more after his death.
The poignant moment Madeline wished she could have shared with her late husband revolved around expressing gratitude for making her a mother. She revealed that they had experienced a heartbreaking miscarriage before Madeline fell pregnant with Tripp, but she never had the chance to thank Matthew for fulfilling his dream of becoming a father. Despite the ongoing pain of Matthew’s absence, Madeline finds solace in writing nightly updates to him, ensuring that he remains a part of their son’s milestones. Through her touching gestures, she keeps Matthew’s memory alive for Tripp, sharing his accomplishments as though he were still physically present.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, Johnny’s widow, Meredith, also shared her experiences of coping with the loss of the Gaudreau brothers. Meredith welcomed their third child, Carter Michael, a few months after the tragedy. She expressed her deep sorrow at losing her husband and the father of her children, emphasizing the immense void left in their lives. Despite the profound grief, both Madeline and Meredith find strength in each other, recognizing the unique bond they share through their tragic losses. Their unwavering support for one another and commitment to honouring their husbands’ legacies underscore the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
As the first anniversary of the brothers’ passing approaches, Madeline and Meredith stand united in their shared grief and determination to navigate life as single parents. The loss of Matthew and Johnny has created an irreplaceable void in their families, but they find comfort in each other’s company, knowing that they are not alone in their sorrow. Through their stories of love, loss, and resilience, Madeline and Meredith exemplify the enduring power of mutual support and remembrance in the face of adversity.
The heart-wrenching tale of Madeline Gaudreau’s unspoken conversation with her late husband serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of untimely loss on families and loved ones. As she navigates the complexities of motherhood without Matthew by her side, Madeline’s unwavering love and dedication to their son Tripp speak volumes about the enduring legacy of her husband’s spirit. In a world marked by tragedy and heartache, Madeline and Meredith’s story stands as a testament to the strength and resilience found in the unbreakable bonds of family and shared sorrow.