First, let me open this with my own personal opinion: Anyone who drinks and drives in today’s world, has absolutely ZERO value to offer humanity.
Ride sharing, taxis, family and friends, buses, trains, walking… there is literally no excuse on the planet to ever drink and drive. Yet, here we are, fast approaching 2025 and there are still those out there who do.
You, sir or madam, who chooses to do this vile act of selfishness, are lesser than any other human being in our world. I have said my peace.
*****
In a deeply moving display of love and loss, Meredith Gaudreau, widow of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, shared a poignant tribute on social media following the tragic death of her husband. The hockey world was shaken this past Saturday morning when Meredith took to Instagram, expressing her profound grief and the undying love she holds for Johnny, a beloved figure in the sports community.
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“Thank you for the best years of my life,” she wrote, accompanying a series of cherished photographs capturing their life together. Her words, filled with both sorrow and gratitude, resonated with many: “Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much,” she continued, highlighting the deep bond they shared. “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.”
The Gaudreau family suffered an unimaginable loss last Thursday evening when Johnny, 31, and his brother, Matthew, 29, were struck by a suspected drunk driver while biking along County Route 51 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a devastated family and a community in mourning.
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Tragically, the brothers’ deaths occurred less than 24 hours before they were scheduled to serve as groomsmen in their younger sister Katie’s wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce. In light of the heartbreaking event, the ceremony, planned for Friday afternoon in Gloucester City, was understandably canceled.
Johnny Gaudreau, known for his exceptional talent on the ice, leaves behind not only his loving wife Meredith but also their two young children—daughter Noa, nearly two years old, and son Johnny, just six months old. In another touching post, Meredith shared a glimpse into the loving family life they had built, describing Johnny as “The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with.” She fondly recalled his dedication as a father, never missing an appointment and having a special knack for putting their baby to sleep. “We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much, daddy,” she added, underscoring the heartbreak of a family torn apart too soon.
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Matthew Gaudreau, Johnny’s younger brother, is survived by his wife, Madeline, who is expecting their first child. In a heartening show of support, a GoFundMe campaign set up for Madeline and “Baby Tripp” quickly surpassed its initial goal of $30,000, raising over $260,000 as of Saturday morning. This overwhelming response reflects the deep affection and respect the community has for the Gaudreau family.
The Gaudreau family, including the brothers’ parents and two sisters, released a heartfelt statement on Friday, thanking the public for the outpouring of support and love they have received during this difficult time. “Last night, we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two amazing humans,” family spokesperson Jim Gaudreau stated to WBZ-TV. The family also requested privacy as they navigate this period of intense grief and mourning.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, both outstanding hockey players from southern New Jersey, had impressive careers that left a lasting impact on those who knew them. Johnny was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2014 and joined the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, while Matthew had a stint with the New York Islanders’ minor league affiliate and last played professionally in 2021. Their sudden passing is a stark reminder of the preciousness of life and the profound impact of such losses on the family and the larger community.
As the hockey world and fans alike come to terms with this tragic news, the legacy of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will undoubtedly live on through their contributions to the sport and the cherished memories they leave behind.
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