Matthew Gaudreau’s wife expecting baby as NHL players donate to GoFundMe

When news broke that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew, both tragically died in Salem County, N.J., outside of Philadelphia, it was already devastating.

Now, we find out that Matthew was getting ready to welcome a baby when he and his brother Johnny were struck and killed while biking near their hometown on Thursday night. The brothers were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes and both died from their injuries.

According to an online registry set up by the couple, Matthew’s wife, Madeline Gaudreau, is expecting a baby due on December 31. Matthew and Madeline tied the knot in July 2021.

The family has set up a GoFundMe for Madeline, and their unborn son, Tripp. All donations will be directly sent to the family for Matthew’s funeral expenses and for the eventual birth of Tripp.

The page is getting donations, with several coming in from some pretty significant NHL players, including Matthew Tkachuk, Ryan Hartman, Sean Monahan and Zack Werenski. The GoFundMe has already passed the $30k goal by more than $15k, nearly 600 donors total through the past hours.

The younger brother spent a lot of time in Johnny’s shadow, but his death is no less tragic. Especially for Madeline, who is pregnant with their first child. This is an unimaginable tragedy on so many levels.

The Gaudreau family reacted to Johnny and Matthew’s deaths via a statement from the brothers’ Uncle Jim.

Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, his two young children, Noa and Johnny, as well has his parents, Guy and Jane, and sisters Kristen and Katie.

Both brothers were set to be groomsmen in the Friday afternoon wedding of the sister, Katie. TMZ has reported that the 1:45 p.m. ceremony at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester City was canceled in light of the tragedy.

This link the link to the GoFundMe page if ever you want to donate to help Matthew’s wife and unborn son: