Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith pens emotional message on what would have been brother-in-law Matthew's 31st birthday

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith Gaudreau shared an emotional set of Instagram stories on Friday to honor her late brother-in-law Matthew Gaudreau on what would have been his 31st birthday, posting personal family photos of special moments he shared with the Gaudreau family before his tragic death last year.

One story showed Matthew sitting in the stands at a game with the Gaudreau children, smiling as he held food and helped keep the kids entertained. Meredith added heartfelt messages in the caption, writing:

“Happy birthday Noa’s godfather 🤎🥳 We love & miss you 🤍🤍”

“Can’t wait to spend today with your favorites 💙💙,” she added.

Another tribute featured a wedding portrait of Meredith and Johnny with Matthew standing beside the couple in a tuxedo.

“Happy Birthday,” she wrote in the caption.

via Instagram/ @meredithgaudreau_/

Matthew, who died at age 29 in late August last year alongside his older brother, was a former Boston College forward who went on to play five professional seasons in the ECHL and AHL. Over four NCAA seasons, he appeared in more than 115 games and recorded 62 points.

Following his senior year, Matthew turned professional in 2017 signing with the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He split time between the AHL and ECHL becoming a key contributor for the Worcester Railers where he produced 24 goals and 36 assists in 88 games between 2017 and 2019 and returned for a final appearance in 2021-22. He also played briefly overseas before retiring from pro hockey.

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Johnny Gaudreau's mother pens heart wrenching message on Thanksgiving

Earlier last month, the Gaudreau family endured their second Thanksgiving without Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. On Wednesday, their mother Jane Gaudreau posted a somber Instagram story that captured the weight of the holiday season for a family still grieving two beloved sons.

Her story showed an autumn-themed fireplace scene with pumpkins lined across the hearth, soft orange light filling the room and a fire burning in the background. Over it, she wrote a short message about the ache that continues to sit with them:

“Thanksgiving will not be the same without you.”

Jane tagged both @johnnygaudreau03 and @mattygaudreau11 adding small red hearts. Beneath the message, she shared a collage of family photos of the brothers from past Thanksgiving celebrations.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed on Aug. 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey when their bicycles were struck from behind by an allegedly drunk driver, Sean M. Higgins.

Earlier this year, a New Jersey judge upheld all charges against Higgins rejecting defense arguments that the brothers’ alleged impairment or the lighting on their bicycles played a role in the crash. Higgins faces multiple serious counts including aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He has pleaded not guilty after turning down a plea deal reportedly carrying a 35-year sentence.