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Meredith Gaudreau, wife of late Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, is speaking out following his death.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser for Johnny’s late brother Matthew Gaudreau’s family has crossed $550,000.
“John and Matty. U don’t hear one name without the other,” Meredith wrote in one of a series of Instagram posts on Sunday. “Always side by side. Even in large group settings, u can find them hip to hip.
“John’s younger brother – but he looked up to Matty and relied on him for everythinggg. And Matty was always there. Absolute best friends and biggest fans of each other despite polar opposite personalities. Everyone wanted to be around them, including me.”
In another post, Meredith Gaudreau wrote, “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 Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed last week by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding.
Johnny leaves behind his wife and two children, while Matthew’s widow, Madeline, is pregnant with the couple’s first child, who they had already named Tripp.
A GoFundMe set up by Madeline’s sister Holland Korbitz with a goal of $30,000 has raised more than $550,000 as of 4:40 p.m. ET Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that the Gaudreau family has experienced a tragic and unfathomable loss,” Korbitz wrote. “On August 29, 2024, a car accident took the lives of Matthew and his brother John.
“In this unimaginably difficult time, we are coming together to support Matthew’s wife, Madeline and their growing baby Tripp, and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. Your support will allow them the time to take off work to grieve and heal as a family.
“Although no amount of money can ease the pain of loss, your support on any level will help take some of the financial weight off the Gaudreau family as they navigate this journey.
“All donations raised will be transferred directly to Madeline to help pay for funeral expenses and baby Tripp.”
More than 7,700 people have donated, including the family of New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars, and Cliff Rucker, owner of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers HC. Matthew Gaudreau played two seasons for the Railers.
Johnny Gaudreau earned over $63 million during his NHL career.