OAN Staff Abril Elfi
1:32 PM – Monday, September 9, 2024
The widow of NHL Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically died along with his brother after being struck by an alleged drunk driver, announced that she is pregnant.
On Monday, Meredith Gaudreau spoke at Johnny’s and Matthew Gaudreau’s funeral, where she announced that she was expecting the deceased player’s baby. Audible gasps could be heard at the celebration of life, with attendees quickly realizing that the baby would never have the chance to know his (or her) real father.
“This last week has felt like I’ve been trapped in a nightmare I can’t wake up from,” said Madeline at the memorial service on Monday. “I feel numb, angry, sad, blessed all at once. Some days, the thought of this new reality is debilitating, but mostly I just miss Matt.”
Although most people were already aware that Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew’s widow, had been previously expecting their first child, she revealed during her moving eulogy that she and Johnny were also expecting a third child.
“John and I had the best six months as a family of four,’’ Meredith said, referring to life after the birth of their second child in February.
“These will forever be the best six months of my life,” the widow said. “There’s specifically one week that I will cherish forever — it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months. We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby.”
She continued, saying that the pregnancy was a “total surprise” and that Johnny was overjoyed about it.
“John was beaming and so excited,” she said. “His reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me.
“Noa, our oldest, [a daughter] hasn’t even turned 2 yet. In less than three years of marriage, we’ve created a family of five,” Meredith said.
“It doesn’t even sound possible, but I look at it as the ultimate blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies? Our last one being a blessing and so special despite these difficult circumstances.
“To my babies: Daddy loves you all so much, and you have the best daddy in the world.’’
On August 29th, while out for a bike ride on the day before their sister’s wedding, John, who also played for the Calgary Flames, and Matthew, who played collegiate hockey alongside him at Boston College, were killed after being hit by an alleged drunk driver.
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