Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, has announced the birth of her third child, seven months after the death of her husband.
Meredith announced the happy development on her Instagram page, revealing that Carter Michael was born on April 1, weighing 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and measuring 20.5 inches long. In a touching tribute to Johnny, Meredith noted that their newborn son "looks exactly like his daddy" and even shares Johnny’s middle name, Michael.
"Exact same as his daddy," she wrote. "He looks exactly like his daddy too 🥰."
In a series of sweet photos posted to her Instagram, Meredith showed that Carter Michael is already being introduced to his father's love of hockey — featuring a tiny No. 13 jersey, a puck, and even a small trophy.
"I love you so much my baby!" she captioned the post. "We are going to have so much fun. I can’t wait to give you the best life, my special boy forever."
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The birth of Carter Michael comes seven months after Johnny tragically passed away following a bicycle vs. car accident in New Jersey. His death left a huge void in the hearts of hockey fans and, most profoundly, his family.
The widow of beloved NHL player Johnny Gaudreau revealed during a heartfelt memorial service for her husband in September 2024 that she was expecting their third child, describing the pregnancy as "a total surprise." Meredith Gaudreau shared this emotional news while honoring her late husband and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau.
"John and I had the best six months as a family of four. These will forever be the best six months of my life," Meredith said. 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."
Meredith recounted how she managed to share the news with Johnny before his untimely passing, which brought him immense joy.
Their family includes a nearly 2-year-old daughter and an infant son, born earlier this year. Reflecting on their brief yet beautiful journey together, Meredith said, "In less than three years of marriage, we've created a family of five. It doesn't even sound possible, but I look at it as the ultimate blessing. How lucky am I to be the mother of John's three babies? Our last one being a blessing and so special despite these difficult circumstances."
The Gaudreau family faced an unimaginable tragedy when Johnny and his brother Matthew were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver in Salem County, New Jersey. The incident occurred just a day before their sister Katie’s wedding.
Sean M. Higgins, the individual involved in the fatal accident, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
