The wives of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau have revealed that they are pregnant as they lay the brothers to rest.
As previously reported, National Hockey League (NHL) stars Johnny, 31, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver while cycling.
According to the New Jersey State Police, Sean Higgins, the driver, attempted to pass another vehicle when he fatally hit both brothers, per PEOPLE.
The SUV he was attempting to pass had reportedly moved into the middle of the road to give the cyclists ample space.
The tragedy occurred just one day before Johnny and Matthew were to serve as groomsmen in their sister Katie Gaudreau's wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce in Gloucester City, NJ.
The family had held a wedding rehearsal only hours before the accident, but the ceremony was subsequently canceled.
In a statement released by the Gaudreaus' uncle, Jim, the family expressed their devastation.
The statement, shared with WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche, reads: "Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief."
The brothers were laid to rest side by side in an emotional funeral service in Media, Pennsylvania.
They were mourned by family, friends, and members of the hockey community. The ceremony also revealed that both of their widows are expecting children, per the New York Post.
"God really did draft the best two boys," said a tearful Madeline, widow of Matthew, at the packed St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.
Among the mourners were NHL players, including Kevin Hayes of the Pittsburgh Penguins and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
While it was known that Madeline is pregnant with her and Matthew’s first child, Johnny’s widow, Meredith, made a heart-wrenching announcement during her eulogy: she is nine weeks pregnant with their third child.
Both of their caskets were placed facing each other during the service. Madeline Gaudreau, speaking through tears, described the brothers’ inseparable bond: "They slept in the same room up until college, and neither of them wanted that to change.
"John took care of Matty, and Matty took care of John. It brings me comfort to know they are still together forever, as they always were."
She also expressed her personal grief, saying she felt "trapped in a nightmare I can’t wake up from."
Reflecting on their unborn son, she added: "Matthew was so excited to welcome Tripp into this world. Tripp will know how much his father loved him."
Madeline then turned to her sister-in-law Meredith, saying: "There is one person in this world who knows what I am feeling, it’s you. And for that, I am sorry."
In her emotional eulogy, Meredith Gaudreau called Johnny her "soulmate" and took some solace in the thought that the brothers were now together in Heaven.
"The fact that you are both together in Heaven gives me a little bit of comfort," she said. "I know John could not live a day without his brother. That whatever silly conversation they were having just picked up in Heaven in a flash."
She recalled the joy of the past six months, following the birth of their second child, Johnny, in February.
"We had the best six months as a family of four," Meredith said. She then revealed the surprise news of her pregnancy: "We’re actually a family of five. I’m in my ninth week of pregnancy with our third baby."
The widow shared that Johnny had been ecstatic about the news, calling the pregnancy a "total surprise."
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