NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s sister-in-law Lily Morris is recalling his sweet nature.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, Morris shared a poston her Instagram Stories, in which the athlete, 31 — who was tragically killed in a biking accident on Aug. 29 along with his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29 — could be seen making a touching gesture ahead of his wedding to wife Meredith Gaudreau in 2021.
In the clip, Johnny could be seen dressed in what appeared to be a pirate costume as he sat down on a couch before saying “Luwally” — a sweet family nickname for Morris.
“One of my favorite memories,” Morris wrote over the clip, adding, “John sneaking out of his own bachelor party and showing up at my parents house to be with Meredith.”
She continued, “A small glimpse into how much he loves my sister.”
Johnny Gaudreau and Meredith Gaudreau on their wedding day in 2021.
Meredith Gaudreau/Instagram
On her own page, Meredith reshared the video, writing over it, “He did this three different times.”
Meredith — who shares daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, 7 months, with her late husband — later posted an interview Johnny had previously given on her Instagram Stories.
“Idk how I got so lucky. The best guy in the world,” she wrote on top of the clip with a white heart emoji.
“The best smile ever. His eyes are my favorite. I love you my husband and best friend,” the mother of two added.
Meredith first paid tribute to Johnny in two emotional posts on Instagram on Aug. 31.
“Thank you for the best years of my life. Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much,” she began a first post, which was shared alongside a carousel of images of Johnny and herself, as well as Johnny solo and with their family.
“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,” she continued.
In a second post, Meredith honored her husband in his role as a father to their two children, writing alongside images of them, “The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with. John never missed a single appointment.”
She continued that Johnny “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.”
Johnny Gaudreau and Meredith Gaudreau.
Johnny Gaudreau/Instagram
Johnny and Matthew died in a biking accident in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, close to their hometown of Salem County, PEOPLE confirmed at the time.
The two brothers were in the area as they were intended to serve as groomsmen at the wedding of their sister, Katie Gaudreau. The wedding was scheduled to take place on Aug. 30, according to a wedding website.
New Jersey State Police said in a statement provided to PEOPLE at the time that a driver, Sean M. Higgins, was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol and attempted to pass another car, before fatally hitting the brothers.
Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto and arrested, police said. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Meredith also honored her husband’s relationship with his brother Matthew in another social media post on Aug. 31, sharing a carousel of images of the siblings and writing about their close bond.
“John and Matty. U don’t hear one name without the other. Always side by side. Even in large group settings, u can find them hip to hip. John’s younger brother- but he looked up to Matty and relied on him for everythinggg. And Matty was always there,” she wrote.
Meredith went on to describe the brothers as “absolute best friends and biggest fans of each other despite polar opposite personalities. Everyone wanted to be around them, including me. I would sit back and watch John genuinely love his time with his brother.”
“Matty, thank you for loving our babies like your own and for 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 baby.
“I don’t think John could live a day without you so I’m comforted knowing you are of course together in heaven. Please continue to take care of John like you always have. I got Madeline and Tripp 🤍 We love you very much,” Meredith concluded her post.
