Grieving wives of the Gaudreau brothers openly express heartache a year after the fatal accident: "Robbed of a goodbye"
Tragedy struck the world of hockey and beyond on August 29, 2024, when brothers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau were killed in a fatal accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The victims were identified as Johnny, a seven-time NHL All-Star, and Matthew, who retired from professional hockey to coach youth hockey.
The accident occurred while the brothers were riding bikes. The suspected drunk driver, Sean Higgins, faces multiple charges, including reckless vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. As of August 2025, Higgins' trial is still in the pretrial phase, with upcoming hearings scheduled to address motions and testimony from state police troopers.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny's wife, and Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew's wife, have been leaning on their community and each other. Meredith was a mother to two young children at the time of the brothers' deaths, and Madeline was pregnant with their third child, Carter. Madeline gave birth to Carter eight months after the accident, and he resembles Johnny, bringing a bit of comfort to Meredith.
Madeline miscarried in February 2024 before getting pregnant with Tripp, who was born four months after Matthew's death. Madeline said she never thanked Matthew for making her a mom, a sentiment echoed by Meredith, who wants Johnny to be remembered as a really good father.
Meredith's 2-year-old daughter often asks for her deceased father, and Madeline started writing to her husband every night a few days after his death. Madeline wants Matthew to be remembered as a good soul, pure, happy, and fearless.
In response to the tragedy, the Gaudreau brothers dreamed up the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation to support youth hockey initiatives and hockey families who've suffered similar tragedies. Matthew retired from professional hockey to coach youth hockey, dedicating his life to nurturing the next generation of hockey players.
The Gaudreau family's strength and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss serve as a testament to their love and the lasting impact the brothers had on those around them. The trial against Sean Higgins continues, but the Gaudreau family is focused on keeping their husbands' memories alive and supporting each other through their grief.
[1] https://www.nj.com/news/2025/08/sean-higgins-faces-up-to-70-years-in-prison-in-gaudreau-brothers-deaths.html [3] https://www.nj.com/news/2025/04/judge-upholds-charges-against-sean-higgins-in-gaudreau-brothers-deaths.html [5] https://www.nj.com/news/2025/08/higgins-rejected-plea-deal-offering-35-years-in-gaudreau-brothers-deaths-case.html
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