Matthew Gaudreau was expecting first child with wife Madeline before his tragic death in accident

OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY: Matthew Gaudreau and his wife Madeline were about to welcome their first baby but a fatal accident took away all happiness.

The 29-year-old ice hockey player reportedly died alongside his NHL star brother Johnny Gaudreau on August 29 when they were biking.

Sean M Higgins accused of killing Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau

Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau were cycling on the eve of their sister Katie Gaudreau's wedding when they were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Sean M Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, just before 8.30 pm in Oldmans Township, Salem County, as reported by Daily Mail.

The 43-year-old accused has now been slapped with two counts of vehicular homicide with no bail or bond. Higgins also reportedly accepted before the cops that he took “5-6 beers” before driving his vehicle which “contributed to his impatience and reckless driving".

GoFundMe started to support heartbroken Gaudreau family

Madeline Gaudreau will give birth to her and Matthew’s son, who they had decided to name Tripp, on December 31, 2024.

Matthew and his wife, Madeline, got married in July 2021 after being together for over a decade. He had proposed to Madeline in 2019 and shared about it on Instagram with a caption that read, “Didn't think she would say yes! @m_korbitz.”

His brother Johnny tied the knot with Meredith in September 2021 but the two became parents before Matthew. They welcomed their daughter in September 2022 and then a boy in February 2024.

A GoFundMe has been started to support the family. The message on it read, “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.”

It continued, “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."

“Although no amount of money can ease the pain of loss, your support on any level will help take some of the financial weight off the Gaudreau family as they navigate this journey.”

“All donations raised will be transferred directly to Madeline to help pay for funeral expenses and baby Tripp,” the message added.

Jim Gaudreau mourns Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau's deaths

Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau's devastated uncle Jim Gaudreau also shared a statement.

He said, “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.”

“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,” Jim stated.

Internet sends ‘strength and love’ to Gaudreau family

Meanwhile, many people online have shared their condolence to the grieving family, including Johnny’s wife Meredith, and their two young children — daughter Noa and son Johnny.

An X user tweeted, “This is devastating!!! On the eve of their sister's wedding, (which is what really gets me) to boot!! My head has been spinning nonstop all day since I woke up 😩😩😩😩😩 Sincerest Condolences go out to their entire family, friends, and fellow teammates and coaches.”

Another user wrote, “From a stranger on the Internet, I just wanted to extend my sincerest condolences to the Gaudreau family, my heart breaks for all of you.”

“This is absolutely heartbreaking. How much can one family take?! So sick of drunk drivers,” the third one shared.

The fourth user stated, “Can’t comprehend what the Gaudreau family are going through x.”

The fifth user said, “I can’t stop thinking about the Gaudreau family…an unimaginable tragedy. I’m sending them all the strength and love for their devastating loss. 💔”

“Heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the Gaudreau family: to Johnny & Matthew's parents who lost two sons, their spouses, Johnny's children, who lost their father, and to their sisters, one who had what should've been the happiest day of her life turned into the most tragic. RIP,” the sixth user added.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.