"Take care of John like you always have": Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith posts a special note for brother-in-law Matthew 

Meredith Gaudreau, wife of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau, paid tribute to her brother-in-law Matthew on Sunday. Johnny and Matthew tragically died in Oldmans Township, New Jersey after their bicycles were struck by a driver suspected of being drunk, leaving their family and the hockey community in deep sorrow.

Meredith posted on Instagram about the close bond Johnny and Matthew shared. She described them as inseparable, saying,

"John and Matty. U don’t hear one name without the other. Always side by side. Even in large group settings, u can find them hip to hip. John’s younger brother- but he looked up to Matty and relied on him for everythinggg."

"And Matty was always there. Absolute best friends and biggest fans of each other despite polar opposite personalities. Everyone wanted to be around them, including me. I would sit back and watch John genuinely love his time with his brother." -Meredith Gaudreau on Instagram.

Meredith also mentioned their family's profound loss. She committed to support Matthew’s wife Madeline who is expecting their first child in December. Meredith then thanked Matthew for being a wonderful uncle and godfather to her children. She promised to honor him by being there for his child.

"Matty, thank you for loving our babies like your own and for being such an amazing uncle and godfather. I can’t wait to return the honor when I become Tripp’s aunt. I don’t think John could live a day without you so I’m comforted knowing you are of course together in heaven. Please continue to take care of John like you always have. I got Madeline and Tripp 🤍 We love you very much," she added.

The tragedy occurred just hours before Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew were set to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.

Meredith remembers late husband Johnny Gaudreau as "luckiest girl in the world"

Meredith also remembered her late husband in a separate post. She called herself the “luckiest girl in the world” for sharing her life with Johnny and expressed gratitude for the years they spent together despite the heartbreak of losing him. In another post, she described Johnny as the “absolute best dad in the world” and the best partner she could have asked for as they navigated parenthood.

"Thank you for the best years of my life. Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much. You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever."

Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau's tragic death has deeply impacted their family and those who knew them, as well as the NHL community.