The Columbus Blue Jackets and the wider hockey community continue to grapple with the profound loss of star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, nearly a year after the tragic accident that claimed their lives. The brothers were struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bicycles near their hometown in New Jersey during the summer of 2024. Their untimely deaths sent shockwaves through the NHL and beyond, leaving a void not only in the Blue Jackets’ roster but also in the hearts of fans, teammates, and families.
Throughout the 2024-25 NHL season, the Blue Jackets made a quiet yet deeply personal gesture to honor Johnny and Matthew. In a touching tribute that might have escaped the notice of many, the team wore special “set tags” inside their jerseys. These tags, placed by equipment manager Jamie Healy, featured a photo of the Gaudreau brothers embracing after Boston College’s memorable Beanpot victory in 2014. The inscription on each tag read, “Carrying your memory forward forever.” It was a subtle, heartfelt nod that resonated with those who knew the brothers best.
For Healy, the tradition of including unique set tags in jerseys is nothing new. Over the years, he’s tucked away small pieces of Columbus history—images of the city skyline, the team’s locker room, or the iconic Union Station Arch—into the hems of players’ sweaters. Speaking to The Athletic in 2018, Healy explained his inspiration: “The backstage passes that they used there were completely unique. They had a movie scene on it or something just outrageous that had nothing to do with the band. No other band that I’ve seen had backstage passes like that. So, it’s something I’ve wanted to do since.” This season, however, the tribute was more personal than ever before.
The significance of these set tags runs deeper than memorabilia for collectors. As detailed by MeiGray, a leading authenticator of game-used sports equipment, set tags help verify the authenticity of jerseys, indicating the year and set to which each belongs. But for the Blue Jackets, this year’s tags served a dual purpose: honoring the memory of two beloved teammates and reminding players of the bonds that extend beyond the ice.
The loss of Johnny and Matthew has been felt most acutely by their families. In an emotional interview published on August 12, 2025, Meredith Gaudreau and Madeline Gaudreau—the widows of Johnny and Matthew—shared their memories and the pain of their final moments together. “He kissed all of us goodbye—just in the driveway at his parents’ house. And that was the last time I saw him,” Meredith told ABC News, recalling her husband Johnny’s final farewell. “Our kids didn’t deserve this. John and Matty didn’t even deserve that, especially the way it happened. It keeps me up at night.”
Meredith was pregnant with their third child at the time of Johnny’s death. She gave birth to a baby boy, Carter Michael Gaudreau, on April 1, 2025. Madeline, expecting her first child with Matthew when tragedy struck, welcomed her son, Tripp Matthew, in December 2024. At the time of the accident, the brothers had returned to New Jersey for their sister’s wedding, a family celebration that would be forever marked by loss.
Madeline recalled the poignancy of the brothers’ funeral, sharing, “Tripp was kicking a lot, so I just held Matt’s hand on my belly for Tripp. I didn’t wanna say goodbye to either of them because I know I’ll see them again one day.” The pain of parting was softened only by the memories of love and family they shared. Meredith, too, found solace in her promise to Johnny: “I [will] take care of our kids. I thanked him for such a great life.”
The legal aftermath of the accident has been ongoing. The suspect involved pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of an accident. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving—a cause that has since galvanized the Gaudreau families into action.
On August 13, 2025, what would have been Johnny’s 32nd birthday, Meredith and Madeline announced the launch of the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Appearing on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” they unveiled their mission: to support youth hockey initiatives, assist hockey families affected by tragedy, and provide aid to families impacted by drunk driving. The foundation’s colors—black and green—were chosen to represent Johnny and Matthew’s favorite colors, a subtle yet meaningful tribute to their personalities and passions.
According to the foundation’s website, Meredith and Madeline serve as co-presidents, steering the organization’s efforts with determination and heart. Their vision is to “help youth hockey initiatives, support hockey families that have faced tragedy, and help other families that have been affected by drunk driving.” The foundation stands as a beacon of hope, channeling grief into action and ensuring that the brothers’ legacy endures far beyond the rink.
Tributes to the Gaudreaus have poured in from across the hockey world. Teammates, coaches, and fans have shared stories of Johnny’s electrifying play and Matthew’s unwavering dedication. Both brothers were celebrated not only for their skill on the ice but also for their generosity, kindness, and the joy they brought to those around them. Their impact was felt at every level—from Boston College, where they first made headlines together, to the NHL stage where Johnny became a household name.
As the 2024-25 NHL season progressed, the Blue Jackets found strength in unity, rallying around the memory of their fallen teammate. The special set tags served as a daily reminder of what they were playing for—each shift on the ice a tribute to the brothers who could no longer lace up their skates. For the fans in Columbus and the Gaudreau family, every goal, every win, and every moment of resilience became part of a larger story of remembrance and hope.
While the pain of loss remains, the Gaudreau family’s commitment to honoring Johnny and Matthew’s memory has inspired a wave of support. The foundation’s launch, coupled with the Blue Jackets’ heartfelt tributes, underscores the enduring power of community in the face of tragedy. The brothers may be gone, but their spirit continues to unite and uplift the people who loved them most.
As the hockey world looks ahead, the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau lives on—in the hearts of their families, the jerseys of their teammates, and the foundation dedicated to making a difference. Their story is one of heartbreak, but also of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bonds that define the game of hockey.
