Matthew Gaudreau’s pregnant wife Madeline vows to stay strong for their upcoming child
SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: The Gaudreau family is reeling from the devastating loss of Matthew Gaudreau and his brother, Johnny Gaudreau, who were tragically killed by a suspected drunk driver on August 29, just a day before their sister Katie's wedding.
The two brothers were cycling in Salem County when they were struck from behind by an SUV driven by Sean Higgins on County Route 551.
Madeline Gaudreau pledges to 'keep going' for their unborn child after Matthew's death
Matthew Gaudreau's pregnant wife, Madeline, has vowed to stay strong for their unborn son, even as she faces unimaginable heartbreak.
Taking to Instagram, Madeline expressed her deep sorrow and commitment to their son in a heartfelt post.
"I have no words. I just miss you. I don’t know my life without you. I have never experienced a pain like this. I am so blessed you chose me to be your wife.. to love me. you are the best thing about me," Madeline, who has posted multiple tributes since the death of her husband, wrote in one of her posts on Instagram post.
"I know you are watching down in just as much pain as I am looking up. I will keep going for you and our son. I love you so much Matthew," she added.
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Madeline also reflected on the bond between Matthew and his brother, Johnny Gaudreau.
“It was always Matty & John. I can’t even put into words the bond these two had and right now I don’t have the strength,” she wrote in another Instagram post. “They were each other's biggest cheerleaders.”
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were to serve groomsmen at sister Katie's wedding
The Gaudreau brothers were to serve as groomsmen in their sister Katie's wedding, while their other sister, Kristen Venello, planned to be the maid of honor.
The ceremony and reception were canceled following the devastating news. Johnny, a Columbus Blue Jackets player, leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their children, Noa, almost two, and Johnny, six months.
Sean Higgins, the driver responsible for the crash, was described by police as having a “strong odor” of alcohol on his breath and admitted to having consumed five or six beers before driving.
He failed a sobriety test and was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide, per Page Six.
Gaudreau family believes brothers Matthew and Johnny are together
Madeline Gaudreau found some comfort in knowing that Matthew and Johnny were together in their final moments.
"I find extreme comfort knowing they are together, as they always were. I know they are still messing with each other up there and will continue to look over their families," she added in her post.
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Madeline also shared her deep bond with Johnny’s wife, Meredith, writing, “We will forever share this extreme heartbreak and terrible bond.. however, the boys couldn’t have picked stronger women as their wives and mothers of their children. We will carry each other through every season .. as the boys would do for each other.”
“They blessed us with children.. through them we will always have a part of them earth side with us forever,” she wrote, before ending her tribute with, “I love you my handsome husband, I love you John, I love you Meredith, I love you Noa, I love you Johnny and I love you baby Tripp.”
The GoFundMe page set up by Madeline’s sister, Holland Korbitz, has raised more than $500,000 by Monday to help alleviate some of the financial burdens.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were pronounced dead at the scene following the collision, per MEAWW.
