How Meredith Gaudreau keeps Johnny's memory alive today

Nearly two years after NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed while biking in New Jersey, widow Meredith Gaudreau is keeping his memory alive by sharing their love story in new People exclusives, speaking candidly about their life together, and centering each day on their three young children while reflecting on happier times. The Columbus Blue Jackets forward was 31 when an alleged drunk driver struck him and Matthew, 29, on Aug. 29, 2024—the eve of their sister Katie's wedding.

Meredith told PEOPLE that despite the passage of time, grief has not faded. "It still feels like yesterday," she said. "It's hard to believe that it's been almost two years." Her candid interviews arrive as fans across the celebrity breaking news world continue to follow the family's journey.

Key Takeaways

• Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed on Aug. 29, 2024, while biking in their New Jersey hometown on the eve of their sister's wedding.
• Meredith Gaudreau is sharing their love story and speaking openly to PEOPLE two years after the tragedy.
• She thinks about Johnny constantly and remembers happier moments when she is with their three children.
• Family support—from her parents, siblings, and Johnny's relatives—has helped her raise Noa, Johnny Jr., and Carter.
• The night of the crash still haunts Meredith, though she has learned to slow down and cherish time at home with her kids.

What Happened to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?

On Aug. 29, 2024, Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were biking in their New Jersey hometown when an alleged drunk driver struck and killed them. The tragedy unfolded on the eve of their sister Katie's wedding—a detail Meredith has said stays with her constantly.

Meredith was around seven weeks pregnant with the couple's third child at the time. She gave birth to son Carter in April 2025, seven months after Johnny's death. Today she parents daughter Noa, 3, son Johnny, 2, and 16-month-old Carter.

How Is Meredith Gaudreau Keeping Johnny's Memory Alive?

Two years after his death, Meredith Gaudreau is sharing her sweet love story with her late husband in PEOPLE coverage, including video content available on the PEOPLE App. A new issue featuring more from Meredith hits newsstands Friday, according to Yahoo's syndication of the exclusive.

Beyond the public tributes, Meredith keeps Johnny present in private moments. "I'm thinking about John 24/7," she told PEOPLE. "I think about him in that moment a lot and think about the better moments too. Whenever I see our kids, I remember the nicer times."

At home with Noa, Johnny Jr., and Carter, Meredith said she often imagines how much Johnny would enjoy watching them grow. "When I see the three of them, I just always think John would be really loving this," she said. Those quiet afternoons—slowing down and reflecting on what John would want for their family—have become her favorite moments.

Why Does the Night of Johnny's Death Still Haunt Meredith?

While Meredith Gaudreau focuses on preserving joyful memories, the night Johnny and Matthew died remains painfully vivid. "That night is something that is just always replaying in my head," she told PEOPLE exclusively.

"Sometimes I find myself kind of just zoning out, and I think about what I'm thinking about, and it's that night," she added. "And it haunts me." She said the crash plays in her head constantly, even as she deliberately turns toward happier recollections when she looks at her children.

Meredith told PEOPLE it has not really shifted a lot for her emotionally, though she has learned to be more present. "Don't take anything for granted and just sort of slow down and enjoy my time with my kids while they are so young," she said.

Who Is Supporting Meredith as She Raises Their Three Children?

Meredith credits an extensive support network for helping her navigate unimaginable loss while pregnant and now raising three children under three. "My dad has pretty much retired to help me," she told PEOPLE. Her five siblings also stepped in during her pregnancy so she could focus on her health and her kids.

Johnny's family and Meredith's extended relatives have remained close throughout. With what she described as loving chaos at home, Meredith said she genuinely enjoys soaking up daily life with Noa, Johnny Jr., and Carter—even when getting out the door feels hard.

For the full video interview and additional coverage, Meredith Gaudreau's story continues in PEOPLE's latest issue and on the PEOPLE App—offering readers a deeper look at how one widow honors an NHL star's memory while raising the family they built together.