The hockey world stood still on August 29, 2024, when news broke that brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had been killed by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in New Jersey. The tragedy struck just one day before their sister’s wedding, sending ripples of grief through the entire hockey community and beyond. Nearly a year later, on what would have been Johnny’s 32nd birthday, their widows—Meredith and Madeline—joined ABC’s “Good Morning America” to reflect on their loss, share their ongoing journey through grief, and formally launch a foundation in honor of their late husbands.
“Half of me, the best part of me, died that day, too,” Meredith Gaudreau said during the interview, her voice heavy with emotion. “I’m trying to be double now for my kids, even though I’m half of who I was.”
The pain of losing both brothers has been compounded by the fact that both Meredith and Madeline were pregnant at the time of the accident. Madeline, who was expecting her first child with Matthew, gave birth to their son Tripp. Meredith, already a mother to Noa and Johnny Gaudreau Jr., welcomed her third child, Carter, in April 2025. The absence of their fathers is an ever-present shadow as these young children reach new milestones. “Tripp’s now hitting milestones, so that’s heartbreaking because Matt was super excited to be a dad,” Madeline shared. She revealed that she has been writing notes to Matthew since the accident, updating him on their son’s progress even though, as she heartbreakingly admits, “it’s hard for me to write and think that Matt isn’t seeing this.”
Johnny Gaudreau, known affectionately as “Johnny Hockey,” was a seven-time NHL All-Star who played for the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets. At the time of his death, he was preparing for his third season with the Blue Jackets and was widely regarded as one of the league’s top talents. Matthew, after a successful collegiate career at Boston College, played professionally in the AHL and ECHL before turning his focus to coaching youth hockey.
The brothers’ legacy, however, extends far beyond their on-ice achievements. Recognizing the challenges faced by families in the hockey community—especially those affected by tragedy and the high costs of the sport—Meredith and Madeline have formally launched the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. First announced in March and officially unveiled on Johnny’s birthday, the foundation aims to support youth hockey initiatives, provide assistance to hockey families facing hardship, and help others impacted by drunk driving. “It was never lost on John and Matty about how expensive it is to maintain hockey as a hobby,” Meredith explained, underscoring the brothers’ commitment to making the sport accessible to all.
The outpouring of support from the hockey community has been nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout the 2024-25 season, teams and fans across the league honored the brothers in heartfelt ways. USA Hockey placed Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey in the locker rooms at the 4 Nations Face-Off, a subtle but powerful nod to his enduring influence. In Columbus, fans sang “Happy Birthday” to Johnny Gaudreau Jr. during a game in February, and the Blue Jackets, along with the Detroit Red Wings, paid tribute by wearing special outfits as they entered their Stadium Series matchup in March. The Blue Jackets players donned Johnny’s signature look—a light blue sweatshirt from a New Jersey surf shop, black sweatpants, and black UGG boots—while the Red Wings sported jerseys from the brothers’ amateur days, including their United States Hockey League and Boston College teams, as well as Johnny’s USA Hockey jersey.
Perhaps the most poignant moment came during the Blue Jackets’ home opener last season against the Florida Panthers. The team left Johnny’s left wing spot vacant on the ice for the opening faceoff, allowing 13 seconds—representing his jersey number—to tick off the clock in silence. Before the game, a banner bearing Johnny’s No. 13 was raised into the rafters of Nationwide Arena, with Meredith and the children standing on the ice. The arena’s lower concourse now features a permanent memorial to Johnny Gaudreau, ensuring that his memory will remain an integral part of the Blue Jackets’ legacy.
Meredith’s involvement with the team has not waned. She was invited to announce the Blue Jackets’ first-round draft picks at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, a role she embraced with both pride and sorrow. “My daughter (Noa) is catching on,” Meredith shared with ABC, reflecting on the difficult conversations she now faces as a mother. “She’s 2 and she asks for him a lot. She says, ‘Daddy’s in heaven’ and I’m starting to explain to her what heaven is really because she wants to go to heaven and she says, ‘I want him to come back’ or ‘let’s call him.’” The heartbreak is palpable, and yet the resilience of these families shines through every tribute and every memory shared.
For Madeline, the act of writing to Matthew has become a vital part of her healing process. “Lately it’s been like, oh, you know, ‘Tripp has two teeth now, but I know you know this.’ Because it’s hard for me to write and think that Matt isn’t seeing this,” she confessed. The bond between the Gaudreau families and the larger hockey community has only grown stronger in the wake of their loss, with countless gestures of kindness and remembrance keeping the brothers’ spirits alive.
The legal proceedings related to the accident are ongoing. Sean Higgins, the driver accused of causing the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. As the families continue to navigate the complexities of grief and justice, their focus remains steadfastly on honoring the brothers’ memory and supporting others facing similar hardships.
The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation stands as a testament to the brothers’ love for hockey, their families, and the communities they touched. Through scholarships, outreach, and advocacy, Meredith and Madeline hope to turn their unimaginable loss into a force for good—one that will help young players chase their dreams and ensure that no family faces tragedy alone.
As the hockey world pauses to remember Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, the resilience and compassion of their families offer a powerful reminder of the sport’s enduring spirit. The legacy of the Gaudreau brothers, now enshrined in banners, foundations, and the hearts of fans, continues to inspire all who lace up their skates and those who cheer from the stands.
