Tragic reflections from the spouses of Gaudreau brothers, as they approach the somber anniversary of their husbands' untimely deaths in a fatal car accident
Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, two prominent hockey players, tragically lost their lives in a suspected drunk driving accident in New Jersey on August 29, 2024[1]. Nearly a year later, their widows, Meredith Gaudreau and Madeline Gaudreau, shared their heart-wrenching stories on Good Morning America[2].
In the emotional interview, Meredith, Johnny’s wife, spoke about the last moments she spent with him before the accident. She recalled seeing him in the driveway at his parents' house[1]. The pain of their children losing their father was palpable, as Meredith emphasized[1].
Madeline, Matthew's wife, described the ongoing heartbreak and lack of closure they have been grappling with since the tragic event[1]. She expressed that there's no healing without a goodbye[1]. This sentiment was echoed by Meredith, who mentioned that the way the brothers died keeps her up at night[1].
The interview, conducted by ABC News correspondent Will Reeve, provided an intimate look into the widows’ experiences and the lasting impact on their families and the hockey community[3][5]. At the brothers' funeral, Meredith told Johnny that she would take care of their kids and thanked him for a great life[1].
The Gaudreau brothers were home in New Jersey for Katie's wedding when the accident occurred[1]. Madeline was pregnant at the time of Matthew's death, and she later gave birth to their son, Tripp, four months after the tragedy[1]. Meredith also became a mother to their two young children and gave birth to baby Carter eight months after the crash[1].
The suspected driver was arrested and has pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene[1]. The interview with Meredith and Madeline aired on Good Morning America on August 13, 2025, which would have been Johnny's 32nd birthday[1].
This interview serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of drunk driving and the lasting pain it leaves in its wake. Our thoughts remain with the Gaudreau family and their loved ones during this difficult time.
[1] ABC News [2] Good Morning America [3] Will Reeve [4] The New York Times [5] The Hockey News
The heart-wrenching interview on Good Morning America, conducted by Will Reeve, highlighted the experiences of Meredith Gaudreau and Madeline Gaudreau, the widows of hockey players Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, who passed away in a suspected drunk driving accident[1]. The interview, aired on August 13, 2025, coinciding with what would have been Johnny's 32nd birthday, served as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of drunk driving and the lasting pain it leaves in its wake[1].
