COLUMBUS, Ohio — Meredith Gaudreau posted a tribute to her Instagram page on Saturday, remembering her husband, Columbus Blue Jackets left winger Johnny, who was killed in a crash on Thursday.
The crash happened in New Jersey, where Johnny’s sister was set to get married the following day. Johnny and his brother Matthew were riding bicycles when a driver attempted to pass two cars and struck the two brothers. They both died from the injuries they sustained.
Authorities say that the driver is suspected of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Meredith posted a tribute expressing her love for Johnny and appreciation for the time they spent together. They got married in 2021 and have two young children together.
“Thank you for the best years of my life. 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.”
Meredith also shared photos showing Johnny with their two kids, saying “We’re going to make you proud.”
“The absolute best dad in the world. 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.”
Johnny and Matthew's uncle, Jim Gaudreau, released a statement on behalf of the family to CBS News:
"Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.
We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief.
From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families)."
Johnny Gaudreau, known as “Johnny Hockey,” played 10 full seasons in the league and was set to enter his third with the Columbus Blue Jackets after signing a seven-year, $68 million deal in 2022. He played his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames, a tenure that included becoming one of the sport’s top players and a fan favorite across North America.