In the year since losing her husband, former professional hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, Madeline Gaudreau has carried both grief and gratitude. Ahead of the first anniversary of his death, she reflected on a final sentiment she wished she had shared. Speaking publicly, she revealed the deeply personal message she never had the chance to give him, one that ties to their greatest shared gift. Her words bring light to love, loss, and the lasting bond between a husband, a wife, and their child.

Key Highlights

• Matthew Gaudreau and his brother Johnny were killed by an alleged drunk driver in August 2024.
  
• Madeline Gaudreau wishes she had thanked Matthew for making her a mother.
  
• She welcomed their son, Tripp, in December after losing her husband months earlier.
  
• Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s widow, also shared her reflections and memories.
  
• Both widows have committed to honoring their husbands’ legacies together.
  

A Final Conversation Left Unspoken

On August 29, 2024, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, and his brother Johnny Gaudreau, 31, were struck and killed in New Jersey by an alleged drunk driver while attending their sister’s wedding. The driver has pleaded not guilty. In an August 12 interview with Good Morning America, Madeline recalled her husband as “a pure, happy, good soul” and “fearless.” She shared how he made her a better person and revealed the one thing she wishes she had told him before he died.

“Thank you for making me a mom.” – Madeline Gaudreau

She explained that Matthew had always wanted children, even as she initially felt they were too young. The couple experienced a miscarriage in February 2024 before Madeline became pregnant again with their son Tripp, who was born that December. “I never thanked him for making me a mom,” she said.

Living with Loss While Raising a Son

Since Matthew’s death, Madeline has found her own way of keeping him connected to their son’s life.

“I write every night to Matt. A couple days after the accident I started writing. Lately it’s been, ‘Oh, Tripp has two teeth now, but I know you know this.’” – Madeline Gaudreau

She described the bittersweet nature of watching Tripp hit milestones, knowing how excited Matthew had been to become a father. Even small moments, like her father-in-law noticing Tripp’s love for a hockey stick, carry emotional weight. She acknowledged the challenge of taking her son to the rink without Matthew, a dream they had shared.

Shared Grief, Shared Strength

Madeline’s reflections were joined by those of Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s widow, who gave birth to their third child, Carter, in April. Meredith also shares daughter Noa and son Johnny with her late husband. She spoke about the depth of her loss.

“Half of me, the best part of me, died that day, too. So I’m just trying to be double now for my kids even though I’m half of who I was.” – Meredith Gaudreau

The two women have forged a unique and painful bond through their shared tragedy. At the brothers’ funeral, Madeline addressed Meredith with heartfelt words about their connection.
“Meredith, I am so sorry that we will forever share this bond. The boys could not have picked stronger women as wives and mothers of their children.” – Madeline Gaudreau

Meredith responded with her own promise of solidarity and remembrance.
“There is one person in this world that knows the exact feeling I am feeling, and that is you, and for that I am sorry. The loss of a husband, a father, our comfort. I promise I will always be there for you and the kids and that we will honor the lives of our husbands together, hand in hand, alongside their family and friends.” – Meredith Gaudreau

News in Brief: Madeline Gaudreau tribute to late husband Matthew Gaudreau

Madeline Gaudreau, widow of late hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, revealed she wishes she had thanked him for making her a mother before his death in 2024. Matthew and his brother Johnny were killed by an alleged drunk driver while in New Jersey for their sister’s wedding. Madeline welcomed their son Tripp months later, while Johnny’s widow Meredith gave birth to their third child in April. Both women have pledged to support each other and honor their husbands’ legacies. We extend our deepest condolences to their families during this first year of loss.

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