NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau’s Tragic Death at 31: His Widow’s Shocking Announcement at the Memorial Service

A surprising announcement made by Johnny Gaudreau’s widow at his memorial service has shocked many people online.

Johnny Gaudreau, a 31-year-old ice hockey player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, passed away recently. His memorial service was held on Monday, September 9, where his widow, Meredith Gaudreau, gave a touching eulogy.

In her speech, Meredith revealed that she is pregnant. This news has added a new layer of emotion to the already heart-wrenching event.

During her eulogy, Meredith Gaudreau talked about how much she treasures the six months she had with her late husband, Johnny Gaudreau, and their time together as a family. She highlighted one special week that stood out, saying, “There’s specifically one week that I will cherish forever — it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months.”

Meredith then shared some surprising news: “We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby.” She explained that the pregnancy was a “total surprise” and added, “John was beaming and so excited. His reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me.”

Meredith and Johnny Gaudreau also have a daughter, Noa Harper Gaudreau, born on September 30, 2022, and a son, Johnny Edward Gaudreau, who was born on February 22, 2024.

Meredith said, “It doesn’t even sound possible, but I see it as the ultimate blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John’s three babies? Our last one is such a special blessing, even in these difficult times.” She also told her kids how loved they were and continue to be by their late dad.

Upon hearing about Meredith’s pregnancy, people online expressed their sadness and offered condolences. One Facebook user commented, “This is heartbreaking ,” while another added, “So very sad. Condolences to all concerned.”

A netizen added, “So so tragic.” Another person wrote, “What a complete tragedy . All because one guy couldn’t wait to get home to get drunk. Hope he never drives again,” referring to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Johnny and Matthew’s deaths.

The tragic accident occurred on August 29, the night before Katie Gaudreau’s wedding. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were hit from behind by a suspected drunk driver. The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, struck the brothers at 8 p.m., and both Johnny, who had played 10 seasons in the NHL, and Matthew were pronounced dead at the scene.

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Sean M. Higgins faces serious charges following the tragic accident. He is charged with two counts of death by auto and reckless driving. He also faces additional charges for consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle and possessing an open container. Although his blood-alcohol level hasn’t been released yet, the criminal complaint notes that Sean failed a field sobriety test. He is currently being held in a Salem County jail.

When news of Johnny and Matthew’s passing became public, Johnny’s hockey team released a heartfelt statement on social media. They expressed their deep sadness over the tragedy and highlighted how much Johnny was loved and admired. The team praised Johnny’s talent and his impact on the team, reflecting on the profound loss felt by everyone who knew him.

The Columbus Blue Jackets shared a tribute to Johnny, saying, “Johnny played the game with great joy and a genuine love for hockey. From Boston College to the Calgary Flames, Team USA, and the Blue Jackets, he brought excitement to every team he played for. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could.”

The Columbus Blue Jackets also sent their heartfelt condolences to Johnny’s wife, parents, children, friends, and all his loved ones. They emphasized that even though Johnny’s life was tragically cut short, the remarkable impact he made on his community and his career would be remembered and cherished forever.

Amid the outpouring of support from coaches and sports stars like NBA superstar LeBron James, who sent prayers to Gaudreau’s family, Meredith also shared a touching wedding anniversary post on Instagram on September 4.

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As the Gaudreau family navigates through their immense grief, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to them. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau may no longer be with us, but their memory will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace.

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES AND MICHAEL DOUGLAS CELEBRATE 23RD ANNIVERSARY WITH HEART-MELTING WISHES

When Michael Douglas, then 54, caught sight of Catherine Zeta-Jones portraying Elena Montero in 1998’s “The Mask of Zorro,” he was instantly captivated.

In that same year, both Oscar-winning actors found themselves at the Deauville Film Festival, with Zeta-Jones promoting the film alongside Antonio Banderas, and Douglas attending for his movie, “A Perfect Murder.”

Following his instincts, Douglas had his publicist arrange a meeting.

However, things didn’t quite go as planned.

“I met her in the bar and was a complete gentleman,” shared the star of “Fatal Attraction” with People magazine. He recounted inviting her back to his room for a nightcap.

Later that evening, when the now 54-year-old star of “Ocean’s Twelve” joined him, he fumbled by saying, “You know, I’m going to be the father of your children.”

Douglas remembers her response: “You know I’ve heard a lot about you, and I’ve seen a lot about you, and I think it’s time that I say goodnight.”

Meanwhile, Zeta-Jones, whose breakout role was in “The Mask of Zorro,” believed the encounter with her future husband was purely work-related.

“I was going to a film festival. I thought Michael Douglas wanted to meet me for work because I knew he was a producer as well as an actor. I genuinely thought that because I was in work mode and I was going to a film festival, and that’s where film deals are made,” explained Zeta-Jones.

“So I never thought, ‘Oh my God, he wants to date me.’ And within hours of meeting me, he told me he wanted to father my children. So I presumed this was not for a job.”

But Douglas was undeterred. Knowing he would soon be filming “Entrapment” in Scotland, he arranged for roses to be delivered to her room upon her arrival.

In a 2019 interview with Access, Zeta-Jones joked, “You know what the worst thing is? He was right.”

Despite their initial hiccups, the couple, who share the same birthday with a 25-year age gap, have faced challenges. In 2013, they briefly separated, reportedly due to stress. However, they reconciled after a year apart.

In 2010, Douglas battled throat cancer, while Zeta-Jones grappled with bipolar disorder. But through it all, their love endured.

Recently, on their 23rd wedding anniversary, the couple, now grandparents, expressed their enduring love for each other. Sharing photos from their wedding and beyond, Zeta-Jones wrote, “Today we celebrate 23 years of marriage. Darling Michael, your Nobel Peace Prize awaits, I love you… from your darling wife, a gold star Medal of Honor recipient.”

Douglas also took to Instagram to share his sentiments, writing, “Happy 23 and Me, my darling @catherinezetajones. Can’t wait for 24! Happy Anniversary.”

“One netizen expresses, ‘I’ve always admired you both, which has fueled my love for all things classic… Happy Wedding Anniversary, my all-time favorite couple.’

Another shares, ‘The most charming and perfect couple!!! Congratulations!!’ While a third adds, ‘Remarkable! You’ve got to be one of the best couples in Hollywood for sure. I admire both of your work! Thank you for so many years of fantastic entertainment.’”

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