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The Columbus Dispatch
Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew mourned by family, teammates at Pennsylvania funeral
By Colin Gay, Brian Hedger and Lori Schmidt, Columbus Dispatch,
11 hours ago
Friends and family are gathering in Media, Pennsylvania, Monday to remember Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.
A funeral service for both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is being held Monday at Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania.
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were killed Aug. 29 in South Jersey as they biked together along a road in Oldmans Township in Salem County. Police say the driver who struck them, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, told them he had five or six beers before getting behind the wheel, and Higgins has been charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle.
“In talking with people in the organization, including the guys here with me today, it’s apparent just how special of a person Johnny was, and how significant his loss is being felt by everyone,” Waddell said. “Where there’s a huge hole in our lineup, there’s even a larger one in our hearts.”
Johnny Gaudreau funeral live stream
The funeral was streamed live by FOX 29 Philadelphia.
Johnny Gaudreau funeral updates
Follow along for live updates from Gaudreau's funeral Monday:
The funeral for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is wrapping up. As a hymn is sung, the two brothers are being carried away as they resume their journey to their final resting place.
Johnny Gaudreau's widow discussed the family members Johnny leaves behind, including parents Guy and Jane who raised "two perfect boys."
Meredith Gaudreau also touched on Johnny's brother, Matthew, who died in the same collision that took Johnny's life.
"The fact that you are together in heaven gives me some comfort," Meredith Gaudreau said. Then she addressed Matthew directly: "I appreciate you sharing your best friend with me."
In her eulogy, Meredith Gaudreau said that she and her late husband Johnny are expecting a third child. She and Johnny have two young children, Noa and Johnny. According to Meredith, she is nine weeks along and Johnny hugged and kissed her when she informed him of the pregnancy ... even though she was driving at the time.
Meredith Gaudreau reflected on Johnny Gaudreau's relationship with Sean Monahan, a relationship that started before she met Gaudreau. She said Johnny Gaudreau was "so excited" when Monahan signed with the Blue Jackets, and that she is heartbroken he won't be able to play with him.
"Sean, John loved you so much," Meredith Gaudreau said.
Meredith Gaudreau said she is "shattered" that Johnny Gaudreau didn't have more time with the Columbus Blue Jackets . She thanked the "5th Line and the Blue Jackets organization." She also called Columbus "a hidden gem" and the "most underrated city in America."
"John was so proud to wear your colors every day," Meredith Gaudreau said.
Newly-acquired Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan served as a pall bearer for Johnny Gaudreau Former Blue Jackets forward Eric Robinson served as a pall bearer for Matthew Gaudreau.
The funeral procession has begun. Hearses and funeral procession arrived with a police escort, motorcycles followed by cruisers, locals and Pennsylvania State Police.
Along with Sean Kuraly, Erik Gudbranson and other members of the Blue Jackets, former CBJ general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is at Johnny Gaudreau's funeral.
The Blue Jackets and the Flames arrived at the same time on four busses. The teams used a back entrance to enter St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church.
Ahead of Gaudreau's funeral, there is a large police presence in Media, Pennsylvania. Attendees are parking in remote lots a few miles away from the church. Shuttles are taking attendees to the site.
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