Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy endures through the love and strength of his family following his tragic death in August 2024. The renowned NHL player, who had a distinguished career in hockey, left behind his wife, Meredith, and their growing family, which includes their three children.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Johnny-and-Meredith-Gaudreau-family-093024-31d6e19b9f6747b38649a1f1967adc15.jpg)
Johnny and Meredith’s journey began in 2018 when they met at a friend’s birthday celebration. Meredith shared in an essay published in The Players’ Tribune that it was an unforgettable first encounter, where she only knew him as “John,” unaware of his fame as a hockey star. As their relationship blossomed, she fondly recalled how she confidently told her colleagues that she had met someone special and had plans to marry him.
The couple took a significant step in their relationship when Johnny proposed on August 29, 2020, near their childhood homes in Avalon, New Jersey. Their wedding followed on September 4, 2021, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. In September 2024, as they would have celebrated their third wedding anniversary, Meredith reminisced about their special day on social media, capturing her feelings of love and gratitude for the time they shared together.
In their brief but meaningful time as parents, Johnny and Meredith welcomed their first child, daughter Noa, on September 30, 2022. Their family grew again with the birth of their son, Johnny Jr., in February 2024. At the time of Johnny’s untimely passing, Meredith was pregnant with the couple’s third child, who, after his father’s death, was named Carter Michael, reflecting Johnny’s own middle name.
Tragedy struck when Johnny and his brother, Matthew, lost their lives on August 29, 2024, due to an alleged drunk driver who collided with them while they were cycling. The devastation of this loss reverberated through their community and beyond, but Meredith found strength in her role as a mother to ensure that Johnny’s memory would live on. At a memorial service, she shared that she was nine weeks pregnant with Carter, who was born in April 2025.
In the months that followed the tragedy, Meredith has continued to honour her late husband’s legacy. She has actively participated in events that celebrate Johnny’s life, including holding their daughter Noa during an emotional remembrance for him, where the Columbus Blue Jackets raised a banner in his honour. Meredith also commemorated Johnny with tattoos made from his cremated ashes, a powerful symbol of her enduring love.
In July 2025, Meredith and her sister-in-law, Madeline, established the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, which aims to support initiatives and projects that reflect the passions and values exemplified by the two brothers during their lives. This foundation serves as a lasting tribute to their contributions and inspires others to carry on their legacy.
Meredith’s commitment to celebrating Johnny’s spirit was further displayed during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where she and her children joined fans in supporting the U.S. men’s hockey team. Johnny had been poised to represent his country at the Games, and his absence was felt deeply. Following their victorious gold medal win on February 22, 2026, Johnny’s two eldest children proudly posed on the ice, holding their father’s No. 13 jersey, a poignant reminder of his enduring presence.
Today, Meredith Gaudreau stands as a testament to resilience and love, striving to navigate the challenges of life without Johnny by her side while ensuring their children know of their father’s greatness. Her heartfelt reflections and actions continue to inspire many as she maintains the memory of Johnny alive in both her family and the community.