Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith pays emotional tribute to NHL star after he was killed by drunk driver: ‘You were perfect’

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith Gaudreau is speaking out for the first time about the incident after the NHL star and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were tragically killed by a drunk driver the day before their sister’s wedding.

“Thank you for the best years of my life,” he began on Instagram on Saturday, alongside a slideshow of photos that showed sweet memories they shared during their relationship.

“Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to be yours. I love you so much. You were perfect,” Meredith wrote in her heartfelt message to Johnny.

“Some days I thought it couldn’t be true. I love everything about you.”

Meredith — who has been married to Johnny since 2021 — concluded in the post that he is her “forever” and that she “can’t wait to be with him” [him] Again, “finishing off,” “I love you so much forever and ever.”

In a separate post, the widow – who had two young children, Noah and Johnny, with the professional athlete – described how he was the “best dad in the world” to them.

“Very caring and loving,” she wrote, posting photos of the former Columbus Blue Jackets player babysitting and playing with his kids. “Best partner to be a parent to.”

Meredith explained that her husband was always present for their family, including never missing an appointment and helping “put the baby to sleep.”

She added that the father of two is the “apple of Noa’s eye” and added that the little girl “looks just like him.”

Meredith concluded, “We will make you proud. We love you so-so-so much Daddy.”

The heartbreaking post comes nearly two days after Sean M. Higgins struck Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, on Thursday evening as they were riding their bikes while attempting to pass two slow-moving vehicles in Salem County, New Jersey, according to police.

The driver’s breath reportedly “smelled strongly” of alcohol, and he later admitted to drinking five or six beers before the crash, according to NBC News.

Higgins, 43, is still in police custody and has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter.

Meanwhile, the Goudreaus have begun to mourn the great loss of their loved ones, which came during one of the happiest times in their sister Katie Goudreau’s life.

The woman was scheduled to marry her fiancé, Devin Joyce, at St. Mary Parish in Gloucester City, New Jersey, on Friday, but the wedding was canceled due to the tragedy.

“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends, but truly two wonderful human beings,” the family said in a statement Friday through Johnny’s uncle, Jim Goudreau.

“We want to let everyone know that we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.”

Shortly after news of the deaths broke, it was revealed that Matthew and his wife Madeline Goudreau were set to become parents for the first time, with a baby boy expected to arrive in their home.

According to the website, the GoFundMe was set up to help the widow care for her “growing child Tripp” and “ease some of the financial burdens they face.”

Madeline, whose Instagram is private, has yet to release her own public statement on Matthew’s death.