Nearly one year after the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, their widows have shared their emotional reflections and experiences in an interview, discussing the profound impact of their husbands’ lives and the ongoing struggle of raising children without fathers. The hockey players, who were killed in a hit-and-run incident, left behind families that are still grappling with the loss of two key figures in their lives.
Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, and Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of Matthew Gaudreau, sat down with ABC News to recount their experiences. They discussed the difficult journey of dealing with the loss, their emotional struggles, and the impact on their families. Meredith, who was pregnant with their third child at the time of the tragedy, spoke about her commitment to raising their children without their fathers. She also reflected on the final moments at the funeral, which marked the beginning of their long and painful journey of grief.
Madeline, who was also pregnant with her and Matthew’s first child, shared her emotional state, expressing the desire to see her unborn child again. She described holding Matt’s hand on her belly while her baby, Tripp Matthew, kicked. Both widows emphasized the deep sense of loss and the ongoing pain of not having a proper goodbye. They also discussed the tragic circumstances of the event, which occurred on the day before their sister, Katie, was set to be married on August 29, 2024.
The tragic incident, which took place in Salem County, New Jersey, involved an alleged drunk driver, Sean Higgins, who was charged with multiple counts of murder and vehicular homicide. The legal battles surrounding the case have been ongoing, with recent rulings dismissing claims that the brothers’ own drinking had contributed to their deaths. The case has continued to draw public attention, highlighting the tragic circumstances and the broader implications of the criminal charges against Higgins.
The ongoing legal proceedings have left the families in a state of uncertainty, as they continue to cope with their loss. The case has also sparked discussions about the impact of drunk driving and the need for stricter enforcement of alcohol-related laws. As they prepare for the future, the widows of the Gaudreau brothers remain focused on their families, determined to honor their husbands’ legacies in the face of enduring grief.