We would like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Both young men were killed in a tragic motor vehicle / bicycle collision on August 29, 2024 just hours prior to their sister’s wedding scheduled for August 30. Understandably, the wedding was postponed.
Their joint funeral was held on September 09, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Church in an emotional ceremony. The funeral was viewed live on the websites of both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames organizations.
The loss of two young persons in the prime of their lives transcends the sports world and impacts most of society. This is a heartbreaking loss.
The Gaudreau brothers were struck by an out of control vehicle while riding their bicycles on the side of a New Jersey road. Apparently, a driver who may have been impaired was trying to pass another vehicle and swerved off the road into the two young men. This issue of driving while impaired also comes to the forefront.
Interestingly, in the news at the same time is Star actor / singer Justin Timberlake apologizing for his behaviour in a recent DWI charge. He is advocating for folks to find other means of transportation instead of getting into a vehicle and driving while under the influence (drugs and or alcohol). Fortunately, no one was injured in his situation.
Hockey World Has Shown A Sense of Tremendous Loss and Respect For the Gaudreau Brothers and Their Loved Ones
The two brothers had a close, loving and supportive relationship. Johnny was two years older than Matthew.
Johnny, aged 31 years was also known as ‘Johnny Hockey’, was an all-star NHL forward with the Columbus Blue Jackets at the time of his passing. He was also a very popular star with the Calgary Flames prior to his move to Columbus. He left the Calgary Flames after nine seasons in free agency to join the Columbus Blue Jackets for the purpose of moving closer to family. He had an eleven year career in the NHL.
Matthew, aged 29 years was also an elite hockey player. Matthew played with his brother Johnny at Boston College in NCAA Division 1 hockey prior to playing in the ECHL and the AHL.
The family and friends of both boys have received much support from the hockey world. Many accolades from the hockey world have been expressed. Most importantly, the comments speak to the strong personal character of Johnny and Matthew and the love they had for each other and their families.
Both the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue Jackets held vigils for the boys. Tear jerking and emotional ceremonies with folks and fans of all ages paying tribute to the family wearing respective jerseys of the Gaudreau’s, including young children.
Close Family Trying to Mourn Unfathomable Loss
The Gaudreau family of origin consists of Parents, Guy and Jane. Children include brothers Johnny, Matthew and sisters Katie and Kristen.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were both married and in loving relationships. The were also very close to their family of origin.
They were tragically killed just hours prior to their sister Katie’s wedding. One cannot comprehend the loss being experienced by this immediate and extended family and their friends.
Johnny and his wife Meredith have two children and it was announced that Meredith is also expecting a third child.
Matthew and his wife Madeline are expecting their first child, a boy to be named Tripp. A GO FUND Me account was opened to raise money to help support this family.
May the family and friends of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau find peace.
Greetings. In introducing myself, I must relate that family is most important. I am a husband, father and grandfather. Beautiful extended family. I was born in the 60’s. Graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury in 1985 with a degree in Social Work. Recently retired.
Sports has been and continues to be my foremost outlet for stress. I have been a coach/ trainer on over 40 youth teams, including hockey, baseball and soccer. Hockey is my number one sport. Began playing as a young child and continue to play several times per week. Huge Fan. I am not an expert per say when it comes to having close contacts to the hockey world. Still have expertise as a Fan. I have probably earned some form of “Hockey PTSD” over the years with the highs and lows of the cheering for the Leafs. I want to respectfully share my opinion and respectfully view your opinions. Should be fun. Keep your stick on the ice.
Take Care and Stay Safe.