The widow of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau announced she is pregnant with their third child on Monday at a memorial for him and his brother.
Meredith Gaudreau, speaking at the funeral, said the pregnancy came as a “total surprise.” She said she was able to tell her husband before he died, and that his reaction was heartwarming.
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Mourners gather for a candlelight vigil in memory of Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 4, 2024. Gaudreau died in a cycling accident along with his brother, Matthew. (Adam Cairns-Imagn Images via Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network)
“John and I have had the best six months as a family of four. These six months will forever be remembered as the best six months of my life,” she told ABC News. “There is one week in particular that I will cherish forever within those six months. It is my favorite week of my life. We are actually a family of five. I am nine weeks pregnant with our third baby.”
Their oldest daughter turns 2 later this month. Their youngest, a boy, was born earlier this year.
“Less than three years into our marriage, we are a family of five,” Meredith added. “Believe it or not, I consider this the greatest blessing. How lucky I am to be the mother of John's three babies. Despite these difficult circumstances, we are overjoyed that each last one is a blessing and very special.”
A makeshift memorial to NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew is dedicated on September 5, 2024 in Old Man's Township, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Matt Luke)
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Supporters remember hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on Sept. 5, 2024, in Old Mans Township, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Matt Luke)
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, were killed when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey. Their deaths came the night before their sister Katie's wedding.
Matthew's wife, Madeline Gaudreau, is also pregnant.
Suspect Shawn M. Higgins was arrested in connection with the incident. He was charged with two counts of causing death by motor vehicle, reckless driving, possession of an open container and having alcohol in a vehicle.
Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau scores the tying goal against the Washington Capitals at Nationwide Arena on Jan. 31, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
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“This is a tragedy that has involved many emotions and affected many people,” Higgins' lawyers, Matthew Portella and Richard Kinnebarger III, said in a joint statement. “It is too early in the legal process to make any statements outside of court.”
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