NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s sister-in-law, Lily Morris, remembers his sweet nature.
On Saturday, August 31, Morris shared a post on her Instagram Stories, in which the athlete, 31 – who was tragically killed in a cycling accident on August 29 alongside his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29 – could be seen making the touching gesture ahead of his wedding with wife Meredith Gaudreau in 2021.
In the clip, Johnny could be seen wearing what appeared to be a pirate costume as he sat on the couch before uttering “Luwally” — a cute family nickname for Morris.
“One of my favorite memories,” Morris wrote above the clip, adding, “John sneaked out of his bachelor party and showed up at my parents’ house to be with Meredith.”
She continued, “A little glimpse of how much he loves my sister.”
Johnny Gaudreau and Meredith Gaudreau on their wedding day in 2021.
Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram
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On her own page, Meredith re-shared the video, writing over it, “He did this three different times.”
Meredith — who shares daughter Noah, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, 7 months, with her late husband — later posted an interview Johnny previously gave on her Instagram Stories.
“I don’t know how I got so lucky. The best boyfriend in the world,” she captioned the clip with a white heart emoji.
“The best smile ever. His eyes are my favorite. I love you my husband and best friend,” added the mother of two.
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Meredith first paid tribute to Johnny in two emotional Instagram posts on August 31.
“Thank you for the best years of my life. Despite losing you, I’m still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so much,” she began the first post, which was shared alongside a carousel of pictures of Johnny and her, as well as Johnny solo and with their family.
“You were perfect. Some days it was too good to be true. I love everything about you. You are mine forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever,” she continued.
In another post, Meredith paid tribute to her husband in his role as father to their two children, writing alongside pictures of them: “Absolutely the best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with. John I never miss a beat one meeting.”
She went on to say that Johnny “was the best at putting the baby and Noah’s apple to sleep. I love how much he looks like him. We’re going to make you proud. We love you so much, Dad.”
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Johnny Gaudreau and Meredith Gaudreau.
Johnny Gaudreau/Instagram
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Johnny and Matthew were killed in a bicycle accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their Salem County hometown, PEOPLE confirmed at the time.
The two brothers were nearby because they were to serve as best men at the wedding of their sister, Katie Gaudreau. The wedding was set to take place on August 30, according to the wedding website.
New Jersey State Police said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time that the driver, Sean M. Higgins, who was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol had attempted to pass another car before fatally striking the brothers .
Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto and arrested, police said. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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Meredith also paid tribute to her husband’s relationship with his brother Matthew in another social media post on August 31, sharing a series of pictures of the siblings and writing about their close bond.
“John and Matty. You don’t hear one name without the other. Always next to each other. Even in big groups, you can find them side by side. John’s younger brother – but he looked up to Matty and relied on him svegg. And Matty was always there,” she wrote.
Meredith went on to describe the brothers as “absolutely best friends and each other’s biggest fans despite their completely opposite personalities. Everyone wanted to be around them, including me. I would sit and watch John genuinely love the time he spent with his brother.”
“Matty, thank you for loving our babies like your own and being such an amazing uncle and godfather. I can’t wait to return the honor when I become Tripp’s aunt,” she added, referring to Madeline Gaudreau, Matthew’s widow, who is pregnant with their first child.
“I don’t think John could live a day without you so I am comforted by the fact that of course you are together in heaven. Please continue to take care of John as you always have. I have Madeline and Tripp 🤍 We love you so much,” she concluded her post by Meredith.
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Source: HIS Education