Meredith Gaudreau has not been shy when it comes to publicly grieving late husband Johnny Gaudreau. The NHL star and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were fatally struck by a drunk driver in August 2024 while riding bikes in New Jersey. Johnny and Matthew were 31 and 29, respectively, at the time of their deaths.

Keep scrolling to read Meredith’s most emotional quotes following Johnny’s death:

Her Initial Statement

The hockey world was still reeling after the news of Johnny’s death when Meredith posted her first statement.

“Thank you for the best years of my life,” she wrote days after his passing. “Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours.”

The caption continued, “I love you so so much. You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever.”

Her Letter to Johnny

Nearly a year after Johnny’s death, Meredith wrote an emotional letter to her late husband, reflecting on the grief she had carried and the physical toll it had taken on her body.

“I was in shock. I was keeled over for days sick to my stomach,” she wrote in the letter published via the Players’ Tribune in June 2025. “It’s completely indescribable. The only person who can relate to me is my own sister-in-law. I see her and my heart breaks for her.”

The 1st Anniversary of Johnny’s Death

“I have the best husband,” she wrote in August 2025. “One year closer to seeing you again and being with you forever. Forever for real.”

Meredith also explained that the date of Johnny’s death shares a special significance in their relationship.

“8/29/20 we got engaged,” she added. “8/29 is a reminder of what forever means to me. I love you.”

Celebrating Their Eldest Daughter

Meredith reflected on her life with Johnny when celebrating daughter Noa’s 3rd birthday in October 2025.

“Our girl is 3! Happy birthday Noa! I am so proud of you,” she wrote at the time, sharing throwback photos with Johnny.

Related: Johnny Gaudreau’s Wife Meredith Praises Late NHL Star as the ‘Best Dad’

Following Johnny Gaudreau’s tragic death, wife Meredith Gaudreau praised the late hockey player’s skills as a parent. “The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving,” Meredith wrote via Instagram on Saturday, August 31. “The best partner to go through parenthood with.” Prior to his death on Thursday, August 29 — he and […]

Who Told Her About Johnny’s Death?

Meredith reflected on the day of Johnny’s death during a March 2026 appearance on Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, revealing that she had “a bad gut feeling” before anyone told her what had happened. It was Johnny’s uncle who delivered the news.

“He didn’t even have to say it,” Meredith recalled.