Meredith Gaudreau Welcomes Third Child, Carter Michael, Seven Months After NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau’s Tragic Death

April 7, 2025 – In a moment of profound joy tinged with lingering sorrow, Meredith Gaudreau, widow of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, has welcomed her third child, a baby boy named Carter Michael Gaudreau. The birth, announced on April 7 via Instagram, comes seven months after the tragic deaths of Johnny and his brother Matthew, who were killed by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in New Jersey. The newborn’s name carries a heartfelt tribute to his late father, sharing the same middle name, Michael, as Johnny, a nod to the hockey star’s father, Guy Gaudreau.

Meredith shared the news with a 14-photo carousel on Instagram, capturing tender moments from the delivery room and her first interactions with Carter alongside her two older children, Noa and Johnny. “I had our third baby! 4/1/25. Another baby boy ,” she wrote in the caption. “Carter Michael Gaudreau – same middle name as his daddy. 8lb 3 ounces, 20.5 inches – exact same as his daddy. He looks exactly like his daddy too .” She added, “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.”

The arrival of Carter Michael marks a bittersweet milestone for the Gaudreau family, who have endured immense grief since the tragic events of August 29, 2024. Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” and his brother Matthew were cycling on Country Route 551 North in New Jersey when they were fatally struck by a driver, Sean M. Higgins, who was attempting to pass another vehicle. New Jersey State Police reported that Higgins, 43, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, which occurred just after 8 p.m., less than a half-hour after sunset. Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing.

Johnny, a beloved figure in the hockey world, was a star player for the Columbus Blue Jackets and held U.S. men’s world championship records with 30 assists and 43 points. His death, alongside his brother Matthew’s, sent shockwaves through the NHL community and beyond, marking yet another off-ice tragedy for the Blue Jackets organization in recent years. The brothers’ deaths came on the eve of their sister’s wedding, compounding the family’s loss.

During a memorial service for the Gaudreau brothers on September 9, 2024, Meredith revealed she was nine weeks pregnant with her third child, a surprise that Johnny had been overjoyed about before his passing. “John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life,” she said, according to ABC News. “There’s specifically one week that I will cherish forever — it will be my favorite week of my life out of those six months. We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby.” She recalled Johnny’s excitement, noting how he kissed and hugged her immediately after she shared the news, despite her driving at the time.

Meredith’s announcement of Carter’s birth comes three months after another family milestone: Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew’s widow, welcomed their first child, Tripp Matthew, in December 2024. The two births have brought moments of light to a family still grappling with the loss of the Gaudreau brothers, who were remembered as devoted husbands, fathers, and brothers.

In the wake of Johnny’s death, Meredith shared emotional tributes on Instagram, reflecting on her husband’s role as a partner and father. On August 31, 2024, she