Matthew and his brother Johnny Gaudreau were fatally struck by a driver suspected to be under the influence on Thursday in New Jersey
Madeline Gaudreau, the wife of Matthew Gaudreau — who was tragically killed while biking on Thursday, Aug. 29 alongside his brother Johnny — is pregnant with the couple’s first child.
A baby registry in Madeline and Matthew’s names lists a due date as Dec. 31, 2024, and in a group photo from Katie Gaudreau’s bachelorette weekend shared on Aug. 4 appears to show Madeline clutching a baby bump.
A verified GoFundMe page was set up on Friday, Aug. 30 to support Madeline and the baby, whose name will be Tripp.
“We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that the Gaudreau family has experienced a tragic and unfathomable loss. On August 29, 2024, a car accident took the lives of Matthew and his brother John,” the GoFundMe page says.
“In this unimaginably difficult time, we are coming together to support Matthew’s wife, Madeline and their growing baby Tripp, and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. Your support will allow them the time to take off work to grieve and heal as a family.”
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Additionally, the statement from the brothers’ uncle Jim Gaudreau provided to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche says the family is mourning the loss of “two fathers.”
“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans,” the family’s statement, provided by Jim, said.
“We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief,” the statement continued.
Matthew and Johnny, who played professional hockey for the Columbus Blue Jackets, were killed around 8 p.m. on Thursday evening in New Jersey when a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol fatally hit both brothers, New Jersey State Police told PEOPLE.
Sean M. Higgins was identified as the driver by authorities. Higgins was arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, according to police.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two children — daughter Noa, who turns 2 in October, and son Johnny, 7 months.
