On September 9, 2024, the community of hockey fans and family gathered at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania, to pay their final respects to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, two brothers whose lives were tragically cut short. The service, filled with palpable grief, celebrated the lives of Johnny and Matthew, who died after being struck by a suspected drunk driver on August 29, the eve of their sister’s wedding.
Both brothers were well-known within the hockey community. Johnny Gaudreau, nicknamed "Johnny Hockey," was celebrated for his successful NHL career, which included stints with the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He scored 243 career goals and notched 743 points, earning seven All-Star game appearances along the way. His younger brother Matthew, who played for the Reading Royals, had also made significant strides within the sport and was revered by those who knew him.
The funeral gathered hundreds of mourners, including family, friends, and numerous NHL players who had shared the ice with Johnny over his impressive career. The service was not just a tribute to their prowess on the ice but also their deep familial ties and love for one another.
During the service, the brothers’ caskets, draped with white cloth and adorned with golden crosses, occupied the center of the church, symbolizing their enduring bond. Their wives, Meredith and Madeline, delivered heartfelt eulogies, speaking openly about love, loss, and the future. Meredith revealed she was pregnant with their third child, stating, "These will forever be the best six months of my life," expressing joy amid overwhelming sorrow. Her emotional announcement added depth to the reflection on how the brothers' families would carry on their legacies.
Madeline honored Matthew by sharing deeply personal anecdotes, depicting him as her safe place and best friend. She conveyed her complex feelings, saying, "This last week has felt like I’ve been trapped in a nightmare I can’t wake up from. I feel numb, angry, sad, blessed all at once." Her transparency about mourning and hope struck chords of empathy within the gathered crowd.
The tragedy took place just hours before the Gaudreau brothers were set to be groomsmen at their sister's wedding. They were cycling along Oldmans Township roads when they were struck from behind by Sean M. Higgins, the driver of the SUV, who reportedly attempted to pass two vehicles.
Witness accounts detail the horrific moment when the brothers were killed. They were riding their bikes and were anticipated to be part of their sister's nuptial celebrations, making the loss even harder to bear for family members. The weight of the situation became heavier with the knowledge of how excited they were for the upcoming wedding.
Not only were the Gaudreau brothers mourned locally, but tributes flowed from hockey communities around the nation. Vigils were held, candles lit, and memories shared, illustrating the impact they had on others. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was among those present, underscoring the significance of their loss felt across the league.
The support for the families continued beyond the service itself. Following their untimely passing, many tributes were shared online. A GoFundMe for Madeline, whose child is set to arrive this December, surpassed $645,000, demonstrating the collective sorrow and support from fans and players across teams.
The church was filled not just with mourners, but with laughs shared alongside tears as people recounted the personalities of Johnny and Matthew. Their legacy as inseparable siblings, as well as dedicated husbands, echoed through the hymns sung and the memories recalled. The essence of their relationship was encapsulated by their wives, who emphasized their unwavering bond and support for one another both on and off the ice.
Meredith, through tearful words, highlighted the struggles they faced but reminded everyone of the joy the brothers brought not only to their families but to the sport. "I look at it as the ultimate blessing," she said, expressing the magnitude of her love for him, even amid such great pain.
The Rev. Tony Penna, who officiated the service, addressed the attendees with comfort, stating, "Their lives mattered, they were noticed on this earth, they were loved on this earth and they were valued on this earth." His words served as both remembrance and recognition of the broader impact Johnny and Matthew had on the people around them.
At the conclusion of the service, the procession left the church, led by family and friends, and followed the hearse carrying the Gaudreau brothers. The sight illustrated not only deep sorrow but also the richness of the love shared by both families and friends who attended, surrounded by the memories of two remarkable individuals.
This moment was not merely about saying goodbye; it was about celebrating the beautiful bond between two brothers whose lives were intertwined with hockey, family, and community. The legacy they leave behind lives on through their loved ones and the memory of their involvement with fans across the NHL.
Tragedies often highlight the fragility of life, but they also shine light on the enduring bonds of love, community support, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s story will serve as a reminder of the joy they brought to their loved ones and their career, even as mourning continues.
