Johnny Gaudreau’s Wife Meredith Says the Night of His Death Still ‘Haunts’ Her 2 Years After Tragedy (Exclusive)

**Remembering Johnny Gaudreau: A Wife’s Heartfelt Reflection on Loss and Life**

Time can be an elusive concept, especially in the wake of profound loss. Meredith Gaudreau, widow of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, candidly shared her ongoing struggle with grief nearly two years after that fateful day on August 29, 2024, when both Johnny, 31, and his younger brother, Matthew, were tragically killed by a drunk driver while cycling in their hometown of New Jersey on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding.

“It still feels like yesterday,” Meredith remarked in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine. Despite the passage of time, the memories of that evening replay in her mind, shaping her daily experiences as a mother to three young children. “That night is just something that is always replaying in my head,” she said. “Sometimes I find myself zoning out, and it haunts me.”

At the time of her husband’s death, Meredith was approximately seven weeks pregnant with their third child. She has strived to navigate the aftermath of this tragedy with the help of her family, recalling particularly the immense support she received from her parents and siblings. “My dad has pretty much retired to help me,” she explained, noting the pivotal role her family has played in helping her raise their children amid the chaotic realisation of their loss.

Meredith, 34, emphasised how essential her siblings have been during this time. “They all fully stepped in and helped me with my kids. I wanted to make sure I was taking care of myself for my pregnancy,” she expressed. The months leading up to the birth of her son, Carter, in April 2025, demanded her focus on wellbeing, both physically and emotionally.

Despite the challenges of raising children in the wake of such a life-altering event, Meredith has found moments of beauty in the chaos of motherhood. Her children—Noa, now three; Johnny, aged two; and 16-month-old Carter—are a source of joy and inspiration, reminding her of the loving father they have lost. “Whenever I see our kids, I remember the nicer times,” she reflected.

However, time does not necessarily heal all wounds. For Meredith, the grief can feel as fresh as it did the day of the tragedy. “It hasn’t shifted a lot for me,” she admitted. In this difficult time, she has learned to embrace the present, making a conscious effort to appreciate the small moments spent with her children.

“It can be chaos with three kids under three years old,” Meredith shared, acknowledging the challenge and reward of her current life stage. Yet she finds solace in their companionship, stating, “When I see the three of them, I just always think John would be really loving this.”

While the road ahead remains daunting, Meredith continues to find strength in her family and a connection to her late husband, believing he would want her to cherish their children as well as each fleeting moment they are together. “Those are my favourite moments, when it’s just the three of us,” she noted, highlighting the significance of slowing down and appreciating the present while remembering the past.

As she navigates motherhood without Johnny, Meredith is determined to create a loving environment for her children, inspired continually by the man she lost. The love of family has proven to be a vital lifeline for her, illuminating a path through the heartache as she forges ahead with her life’s new chapter.

In a world that has moved on, Meredith’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of love and loss, and the profound strength found in family amidst the chaos of life.