Meredith Gaudreau, Widow of Late Blue Jackets Star Johnny, Announces Pregnancy

Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of late Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, announced that she is pregnant with the couple's third child.

Gaudreau revealed the news during a memorial service honoring her late husband and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, who were killed when a vehicle hit them while they were riding bicycles around 8:30 p.m. local time in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on Aug. 29. Per police to ABC 6 in Philadelphia, the vehicle driver "is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash."

Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau married three years ago. Per Emily Shapiro of ABC News, the couple welcomed their daughter, Noa Harper Gaudrea, on Sept. 30, 2022. Their son, Johnny Edward Gaudreau, was born Feb. 22, 2024.

"John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life," Meredith said Monday, per Fox 29 Philadelphia. "There is specifically one week that I will cherish forever. It will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months. We are actually a family of 5...

"I'm in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited."

Matthew Gaudreau, who played college hockey with Johnny at Boston College and also coached hockey at his alma mater, Gloucester Catholic High School, was also expecting a son with his wife, Madeline, in December. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Madeline and their son, who will be named Tripp.