Johnny Gaudreau's Wife Breaks Silence & Shares Touching Message

Although the death of NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau has left the hockey community in shock, no one has been hit harder than his wife, Meredith.

In a deeply emotional message shared on Instagram, Meredith paid tribute to her late husband, expressing her profound love and sorrow after losing him in a car accident on August 29.

Johnny and his brother, Matthew, were cycling along County Route 51 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey when they were struck by a vehicle driven by a suspected drunk driver . The incident claimed the lives of both brothers, just one day before they were to serve as groomsmen at their sister's wedding.

In her heartfelt Instagram post , Meredith shared a series of poignant photos of Johnny, reflecting on the love they shared.

"Thank you for the best years of my life," Meredith wrote. "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."

Meredith's tribute also highlighted Johnny's role as a devoted father to their two young children, Noa and Johnny Jr.

"The absolute best dad in the world," Meredith wrote. "So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with.

"John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the apple of Noa's eye.

"I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much, daddy."

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched in memory of Matthew Gaudreau, with proceeds going to his wife, Madeline, who is pregnant with their first child.

The fundraiser had raised over $460,000 as of early September 1, with the trend pointing toward reaching half a million dollars in three days since its launching.