(Updated: February 23, 2026)
Was johnny gaudreau wife pregnant when he died? Yes, Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith was pregnant when he tragically passed away on August 29, 2024. She was in her ninth week of pregnancy with their third child at the time of his death, and she had shared the happy news with Johnny just a week earlier.
The hockey world—and fans everywhere—still feel the shock of losing Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau in a heartbreaking accident in August 2024. Alongside the grief came questions about his young family, especially his wife Meredith and their kids. One detail that touched many hearts: Meredith was expecting their third baby when Johnny died. Let’s break down what happened, the family’s journey since then, and how they’ve honored his memory.
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The Devastating Accident That Shook the NHL
Johnny Gaudreau, the beloved “Johnny Hockey,” was just 31 when he and his brother Matthew were killed while biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. It happened the night before their sister’s wedding—a senseless tragedy caused by a driver who allegedly was under the influence. The news hit hard for the Columbus Blue Jackets community, his former Calgary Flames teammates, and hockey fans worldwide.
Johnny left behind not just a legacy on the ice but a loving family: his wife Meredith, their daughter Noa (then around 2-3 years old), and son John (born in early 2024). Amid the overwhelming sorrow, a surprising and bittersweet revelation came during the joint memorial service for the brothers on September 9, 2024.
Meredith’s Emotional Announcement at the Memorial
In a moment that left everyone in tears, Meredith Gaudreau delivered a heartfelt eulogy and shared that she was nine weeks pregnant with their third child. She explained that she had told Johnny about the pregnancy just a week before the accident—he knew, and they were excited to grow their family to five.
- She described them as already “a family of five.”
- The news brought a wave of emotion, mixing joy with profound grief.
- Meredith’s strength in that moment became a symbol of resilience for many.
This announcement showed how life can hold both incredible hope and unimaginable pain at the same time.
Family Milestones After the Loss
The Gaudreau family has faced enormous challenges, but they’ve also celebrated new beginnings. Meredith gave birth to their third child—a baby boy named Carter Michael Gaudreau—on April 1, 2025, about seven months after Johnny’s passing. Carter shares his middle name with his dad, a sweet way to keep Johnny’s memory close.
Here’s a quick overview of key family details:
| Family Member | Relation to Johnny | Key Details | Status/Update (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meredith Gaudreau | Wife | Announced pregnancy at memorial | Mother of three; active in tributes |
| Noa Gaudreau | Daughter | Eldest child, around 3-4 years old | Attended Olympics tribute events |
| John Gaudreau | Son | Born early 2024 | Part of family support network |
| Carter Michael Gaudreau | Son (posthumous) | Born April 1, 2025 | Named in honor of his father |
| Matthew Gaudreau | Brother | Died in same accident | His widow Madeline also welcomed a child (Tripp) in late 2024 |
The family continues to receive support from the NHL community, including special tributes. Recently, Meredith and parts of the family attended events at the 2026 Winter Olympics to honor Johnny’s legacy with Team USA hockey.
A Legacy of Love, Hockey, and Hope
Johnny Gaudreau’s story reminds us how fragile life can be, but also how love endures. Meredith’s pregnancy announcement during such a dark time highlighted the beauty that can emerge even in tragedy. Today, their three children—Noa, John, and Carter—carry forward Johnny’s spirit, surrounded by a family and fanbase that refuses to forget him.
The Gaudreaus have shown incredible grace, turning grief into moments of celebration and remembrance. Johnny’s impact on the ice was huge, but his role as a husband and father shines brightest in these family stories. As time passes, his memory lives on through his kids, his wife’s strength, and the ongoing tributes from the hockey world.
If you’re a fan or just someone touched by this, take a moment to appreciate the people in your life. Johnny’s legacy isn’t just goals and assists—it’s the family he built and the love that continues.