Johnny Gaudreau's Wife Breaks Silence After NHL Star and Brother Killed in Biking Accident
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith Gaudreau is speaking out about the tragic loss of her husband.
Two days after the Columbus Blue Jackets left winger and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, died after being struck by a car while riding bicycled in Oldmans Township, N.J., the athlete's wife shared a tribute to him.
"Thank you for the best years of my life," Meredith wrote on Instagram Aug. 31. "Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much. You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever.
In her tribute, Meredith included photos of herself and Johnny over the years, as well as pics of the two and their kids, daughter Noa Harper Gaudreau, 23 months, and son Johnny Edward Gaudreau, 6 months, at the hockey player's 31st birthday celebration.
"The absolute best dad in the world," Johnny's wife wrote in another post. "So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with. John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy."
Matthew is survived by his wife Madeline Gaudreau, who is pregnant with their first baby. A GoFundMe has been set up to support her and their unborn son, Tripp.
Johnny and Matthew, 29, were biking on a rural road on the evening of Aug. 29 when driver Sean M. Higgins, 43, collided with them from the rear while attempting to pass another SUV traveling northbound, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron had told E! News in a statement.
He added that "Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol," and has been charged with "two counts of death by auto." Higgins is currently being held at Salem County Correctional Facility and the crash continues to be investigated. E! News has reached out to his attorney but has not yet heard back.
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