RALEIGH, NC – APRIL 07: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on during the warmups of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on April 07, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Johnny Gaudreau's wife, Meredith, is mourning the loss of her NHL husband after he and his brother were killed in a tragic bike accident.
On Aug. 31, Meredith Gaudreau shared two Instagram posts that paid tribute to her late husband Johnny, 31. In both of them, she included a slideshow of pics of her and the Columbus Blue Jackets player through the years.
In one post, she wrote, "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."
Get top local stories in San Diego delivered to you every morning. >Sign up for NBC San Diego's News Headlines newsletter.
The official Instagram account of the Columbus Blue Jackets commented, "Forever a part of the CBJ family, sending love from all of us ❤️."
In her second tribute, Meredith Gaudreau touched on her husband's parenting skills. The duo share their two kids, Noa, 1, and their baby boy, Johnny, together.
NHL
She said, "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."
According to NBC Philadelphia, police say Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, 29, died on the night of Aug. 29 when they were hit by an alleged drunk driver while riding bikes in their New Jersey hometown. The siblings were pronounced dead at the scene.
On X, the Blue Jackets shared a statement about the brothers' death.
"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew,” their statement read.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
