Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau honor their late husbands, John and Matthew, in a recent interview on GMA.
On Wednesday, the sports community paused to remember Johnny Gaudreau on what would have been his 32nd birthday. The loss of Gaudreau, a celebrated seven-time NHL All-Star, came nearly a year ago following a tragic incident in Salem County. He and his brother, Matthew, were killed by an alleged drunk driver while biking after a family event.
In a poignant interview on Good Morning America, Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s widow, shared how their young daughter, Noa, has begun to grasp the concept of her father’s absence. At just two years old, Noa frequently asks for her father, expressing desires to connect with him, demonstrating an innocence that underscores the profound impact of their loss on the family. As she eagerly anticipates Johnny’s birthday, Meredith recounted how Noa often sings “Happy Birthday” to him, highlighting the enduring connection to her lost parent.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Meredith and Matthew’s widow, Madeline, have banded together to establish the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. This new foundation aims to support causes that resonate with the values championed by both brothers during their lives, particularly in the realm of youth hockey. Their joint initiative comes as a response to the shared goal of honoring their legacy while aiding those who face similar tragedies.
The Gaudreau brothers were devoted family men. Meredith reminisced about her relationship with Johnny, which began in Avalon during the summer of 2018 and culminated in their engagement in August 2020, shortly before his untimely death. At the time of the incident, Meredith was pregnant with their son, Carter, now four months old, whose vibrant spirit she believes carries on Johnny’s legacy.
Madeline, too, faced her own challenges amid the grief. Alongside Matthew, she had anticipated the joy of fatherhood. Tragically, her plans were thwarted by a miscarriage earlier in their journey to parenthood. In memory of their husbands, both women are committed to supporting youth hockey and helping families affected by drunk driving incidents, highlighting how essential it is to keep sports accessible for children.
The foundation seeks to provide financial assistance to families with children involved in hockey, addressing the high costs associated with the sport, which often deters participation at a young age. Both Meredith and Madeline are also actively involved in fundraising efforts, including the launch of a merchandise line available through the foundation’s website.
As their mission unfolds, the Gaudreau Foundation aims to transform their unspeakable loss into a source of hope and change, ensuring that the stories and legacies of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau continue to inspire those within the hockey community and beyond.
