Family, friends, and hockey community mourn, expressing hope and laughter in memory of the Gaudreau brothers as they grieve their loss.
In a heartwrenching twist of fate, the Gaudreau family, centering around NHL star Johnny Hockey, has faced an unimaginable tragedy. After a evening of celebration for Katie's wedding, John, 31, and Matt, 29, were tragically struck by a suspected drunken driver while cycling in Delaware River country, shattering family and community.
The family, however, has not given up hope. Their mantra, to live life to the fullest in honor of their brothers, continues to guide them through these challenging days. From Instagram pages filled with cherished memories, to a new foundation, they've found ways to honor the legends lost too soon.
Theirs is an inspiring journey, one that has led them to Archbishop Damiano School, where Jane works as a finance associate and both brothers volunteered. In death, they seek to leave a legacy at the school that is close to their heart. Inspired by the tragic loss of her husband, Chris, to Lou Gehrig's disease, Kelsie Snow offered words of wisdom to Jane - keep busy, find a project. The Gaudreaus found that project in the form of a modern playground, hoping to provide a safe and accessible space for the special education students who attend the school.
With the organization of the Gaudreau Family 5K on May 31, they've taken the first steps towards making this vision a reality. Principal Michele McCloskey's initial fundraising efforts, launched in October 2020, have been boosted by the hockey community and countless supporters spanning the globe. The project aims to raise $600,000, with over $400,000 already accumulated as of late May 2025[1][5][3].
As Jane dreams of a playground that will remind her of her sons, she also looks towards the future as doting grandparents. Both widows have given birth since their husbands' passing, with Meredith delivering Carter Michael Gaudreau in April and Madeline welcoming Tripp Matthew Gaudreau in December. In the likeness of their fathers, the boys bring a unique mix of joy and heartache to the grieving family.
The Gaudreaus continue to find solace in shared memories, from John's playful antics to Matt's love for children. Despite the painful enormity of their loss, these moments offer a glimmer of warmth amidst the sorrow, strengthening their resolve to carry on their brothers' legacy.
Though their trial is far from over, the driver charged with reckless vehicular homicide still faces trial[1]. The Gaudreaus, however, press on, finding solace in the knowledge that their brothers' spirits will shine through the laughter of the children who play on the playground they hope to build[4].
[1] https://our website/hub/NHL[2] https://www.westhillslocalnews.com/2021/08/the-ghost-of-john-gaudreau-is-in-the-mix/[3] https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/john-gaudreau-memorial-fund-raises-300-k-in-one-day-1.6134651[4] http://archdamianoschool.org/resources/templates/2019_03_18_ND_Ga_John_Gaudreau_Interview.pdf[5] https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/community/community/john-gaudreau-foundation
- The Gaudreau family, who have been active in general news due to their tragic loss, have found solace in education and self-development, volunteering at Archbishop Damiano School, where Jane works.
- In the world of sports, the hockey community has rallied around the Gaudreaus, supporting their education-and-self-development project, the construction of a modern playground for special education students.
- Despite the ongoing conflict surrounding the trial of the driver responsible for their loss, the Gaudreaus find hope in the media attention, with many crime-and-justice outlets covering their story.
- As the Gaudreau Family 5K approaches, the family is looking forward to a new chapter in their lives, filled with the joy of their grandchildren, Carter Michael Gaudreau and Tripp Matthew Gaudreau.
- Meanwhile, football takes a backseat as the Gaudreaus focus on their education-and-self-development project, aiming to create a safe and accessible space for children that will serve as a lasting tribute to their brothers, Johnny "Hockey" and Matt.
