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Widow of NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau Welcomes Son Months After Tragic Death
Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of deceased NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, has given birth to their third child, seven months after the hockey star’s untimely death. In a touching social media post, Gaudreau shared that her newborn son bears a striking resemblance to his late father.
Carter Michael Gaudreau Arrives
Carter Michael Gaudreau was born on April 1st, seven months following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and his brother, Matthew. The brothers were fatally injured in a cycling incident involving a suspected drunk driver.
“I had our third baby! 4/1/25,” Meredith Gaudreau announced on Instagram on Monday.
She revealed his name as Carter Michael Gaudreau, noting the shared middle name with his father. She also detailed his birth statistics: “8lb 3 ounces, 20.5 inches – exact same as his daddy.”
‘Exactly Like His Daddy’
Accompanying photos of herself with Carter, alongside their other children, daughter Noa and son Johnny, Meredith wrote, “He looks exactly like his daddy too.”
“I love you so much my baby! We are going to have so much fun. I can’t wait to give you the best life, my special boy forever,” she added in her heartfelt message.
Touching Tribute in Photo
One particularly poignant image shared by Meredith showed baby Carter sleeping peacefully next to a framed photo of her and Johnny.
Pregnancy Announced at Memorial
Meredith Gaudreau had publicly disclosed her pregnancy during Johnny’s memorial service on September 9th.
“We’re actually a family of five,” she announced during her emotional eulogy, explaining, “I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby. A total surprise, but again, John was beaming and so excited.”
Meredith recounted her initial nervousness about the unexpected pregnancy. “But his reaction was just immediately kissing me and hugging me even though I was driving the car. After the initial excitement sank in, every time he looked at me, he would say, ‘You’re nuts, you know that? Three kids?'”
Tragic Cycling Accident
The Gaudreau brothers tragically passed away on August 29th in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, where they had traveled for their sister Katie’s wedding, scheduled for the following day. Johnny was 31, and Matthew was 29 years old.
The fatal incident occurred as the brothers were cycling on the eve of their sister’s wedding.
According to police reports, the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. He faces charges of two counts of vehicular homicide and is being held without bail.
Court documents revealed that Higgins allegedly admitted to police that he had consumed “5-6 beers” before driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee, which collided with Johnny and Matthew.
Higgins is scheduled to appear in court next on April 15th.
Johnny Gaudreau’s NHL Career
Johnny Gaudreau was a celebrated seven-time NHL All-Star with an 11-season career, beginning with nine seasons with the Calgary Flames, followed by two with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Throughout his NHL career, he accumulated 743 points, comprising 243 goals and 500 assists, over 763 games.
Further Updates to Follow
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