Tragedy strikes the Gaudreau family weeks before the second anniversary of Johnny and Matthew’s deaths

The Gaudreau family has endured more grief than most could imagine over the past two years. Now, just weeks before the second anniversary of the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, another farewell has arrived, this time for a beloved family dog named Kingy.

Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, took to Instagram to announce that Kingy had died. Her message was brief but deeply emotional, accompanied by a collection of cherished photos showing the dog alongside Johnny throughout their years together.

"Through it all my boy," Meredith wrote. "With John now. So many good pics, some of my favorites of my favorites. Love you forever my Kingy."

Kingy had reportedly been part of Johnny and Meredith's life long before their three children came along. The dog appeared in numerous family photos over the years, a constant companion through the couple's journey together.

For those who have followed the Gaudreau family's story, the loss carries weight far beyond the passing of a pet. Kingy represented yet another living connection to the life Meredith and Johnny once shared, a life that was shattered in August 2024 when Johnny, 31, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver while cycling the evening before their sister Katie's wedding.

The family has spent the time since that tragedy honouring both brothers through a new generation. Matthew's widow Madeline welcomed a son named Tripp Matthew in December 2024. Meredith gave birth to the couple's third child, Carter Michael, in April 2025. And most recently, Katie Gaudreau and her husband Devin Joyce welcomed their first child, a boy named Matthew Guy Joyce, in a direct tribute to Katie's late brother.

This past Father's Day, Meredith shared another emotional post calling Johnny "the best spouse" and "my life partner forever," alongside a photo of baby Carter in his crib surrounded by pictures of his dad.

The online reaction to Kingy's passing reflected how deeply the hockey community continues to care about the Gaudreau family. Fans and followers responded with an outpouring of sympathy, recognizing the layered pain of losing something so closely tied to the life Meredith once knew.

We can only send our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the Gaudreau family, who continues to carry Johnny and Matthew's memory forward, even as each new goodbye reminds them of everything that was taken away.