Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of former NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, described the events surrounding the night he and his brother, Matthew, died as "just always replaying in my head." Nearly two years after the incident, she shared that the tragedy "still feels like yesterday" and continues to profoundly affect her.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were struck and killed by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Sean M. Higgins while riding bicycles in their New Jersey hometown on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding. Meredith was approximately seven weeks pregnant with the couple's third child at the time of the crash. Their children are 3-year-old daughter Noa, 2-year-old son Johnny, and Carter, born in April 2025.

Meredith Gaudreau stated that she often finds herself zoning out, reflecting on that night. "It haunts me. It’s playing in my head all the time," she said in an interview with People. "But I’m thinking about John 24/7. I think about him in that moment a lot and think about the better moments too. Whenever I see our kids, I remember the nicer times."

She has leaned heavily on her family for support, including her parents and siblings, as well as Johnny's family. Her father has reportedly retired to assist her, and her siblings have helped care for her children, allowing her to focus on her health during her pregnancy. "It hasn’t really shifted a lot for me," Meredith said of the incident, noting that she has learned to be more present and appreciate her time with her children. "Whenever I see the three of them, I just always think John would be really loving this."

Matthew Gaudreau’s partner, Madeline Gaudreau, was pregnant with their first child, Tripp Matthew, when he died. Their son was born in December 2024. Matthew was 29 years old at the time of his death, and Johnny, an 11-year NHL veteran, was 31.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL, and its teams have continued to honor the Gaudreau brothers since their deaths. Sean M. Higgins, 45, faces charges including two counts each of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide, as well as evidence tampering and leaving the scene of an accident. Higgins has pleaded not guilty and previously declined a plea deal offering 35 years in prison. Authorities have noted a history of road rage and reckless driving on Higgins' part.