A gut-wrenching announcement

The Passing 

The hockey world was shocked by the news of the passing of the Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau. Johnny left an incredible impact on the hockey world, as he ran many charities and participated in raising funds for people’s tuitions, Canadian Mental Health Association, and many other charitable organizations. Now imagine when you are riding a bike, then suddenly out of nowhere, a car strikes you from behind, taking you away from a mom, dad, brother, sister, wife and two kids. That is sadly what happened to the two brothers who sadly passed away on August 29, a day before their sister’s wedding. Grief struck, but it wasn’t only the Gaudreau family who suffered. The whole hockey community strung together in grief over the great man they once knew. Fans, players and rivals alike all came together at Nationwide arena in Columbus, Ohio and at the Saddledome arena in Calgary, Alberta, to pay tributes to the legendary players. 

As If Things Couldn’t Get Sadder 

As if this story isn’t already tragic enough, there’s more that has been revealed Meredith, Johnny’s widow, during Johnny and Matthew’s funeral on Sept 8. Meredith revealed to be pregnant with her and Johnny’s third child, making an already saddened crowd feel much sadder about the situation.  

“There’s specifically one week that I’ll cherish. It’ll be my most favourite week. We are actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby,” Meredith said while delivering Johnny’s eulogy. A sad tale all around for the community. Not only has this left a lasting impact, it also left a grudge in the community. The driver who hit the brothers, Sean Higgins, has been charged with two counts of second degree vehicular manslaughter and suspected of impaired driving. The community berated the Higgins online through social media. However, on the other side of things, Meredith continues her grieving and becomes stronger with each passing day, knowing that Johnny’s friends and family will be there to support her and the widow of Matthew Gaudreau.