Johnny Gaudreau's wife reveals pregnancy with 3rd child at emotional double funeral
The family of John and Matthew Gaudreau laid the brothers to rest on Monday in a Philadelphia suburb as the hockey world joined them in mourning
In an emotional and tear-filled eulogy for her husband and late Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames star, Meredith Gaudreau revealed that she is 9 weeks pregnant with the couple's third child.
"We're actually a family of five," Meredith said in her eulogy at the funeral in Media, Pennsylvania. "I was so nervous because, again, this was a total surprise, but his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car ... How lucky am I to be the mother of John's three babies, our last one being a blessing and so special despite these difficult circumstances."
Multiple members of the Blue Jackets organization were in attendance, as well National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman and current and former players, according to The Columbus Dispatch − part of the USA TODAY Network.
The brothers were killed on Aug. 29 while riding bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey when police say a suspected drunk driver hit them with an SUV. The brothers were supposed to attend their sister's wedding the next day.
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Johnny Gaudreau's wife praises family, Columbus
Meredith addressed the close relationship between the brothers in the eulogy.
"The fact that you are together in heaven gives me some comfort," Gaudreau said and thanked Matthew for "sharing your best friend with me."
She also praised the Gaudreau parents, saying that they raised, "two perfect boys."
Madeline Gaudreau, the wife of Matthew Gaudreau, also spoke of the closeness of the brothers' relationship in her eulogy.
"John took care of Matty and Matty would take care of John," Madeline said. "To know both of them was to truly love them. It was impossible not to fall in love with them."
The Columbus Dispatch reported that multiple attendees arrived at the funeral wearing the older Gaudreau's Columbus Blue Jackets jersey. Gaudreau, nicknamed "Johnny Hockey," signed with the team in 2022 and saw his first two children born in Columbus.
In her eulogy Meredith praised both the Blue Jackets organization and the city, calling the latter "a hidden gem" and the "most underrated city."
"The way I described Columbus is similar to the way I describe John," she said. "You have to come and find out for yourself, and then once you know it, you love it."
Merideth Gaudreau "luckiest girl" due to time with Johnny
In her eulogy, Meredith said that she still felt that she was, "the luckiest girl" in spite of the tragic circumstances.
"Despite losing my husband way too soon, I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be his wife," she said.
As the funeral drew to a close, Meredith made a solemn plea to her husband.
"Please, watch over us."