GoFundMe page to support Matthew Gaudreau’s wife Madeline – who is pregnant with their first child – hits $300k after hockey player and brother Johnny were killed in fatal crash
A GoFundMe campaign to support Matthew Gaudreau’s pregnant wife Madeline has raised more than $300,000 nearly two days after his tragic death in a bicycle accident in New Jersey.
Matthew and his brother, former Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau, were killed in a horrific bicycle accident in New Jersey on Thursday night, the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding.
Matthew leaves behind Madeline, who is five months pregnant, with a due date of December 31, to give birth to the couple’s son, Tripp, per PERSONS.
The fundraising campaign titled ‘Support Madeline and Baby Tripp after the tragedy‘ was organized on Friday by Holland Korbitz with a goal amount of $30,000.
Less than 24 hours later, at the time of writing, the campaign has reached $304,227 in donations, with over 4,000 backers.
Matthew Gaudreau is survived by his wife Madeline after his death on Thursday in New Jersey
A fundraiser to help Madeline and her family financially has raised more than $290,000
“We are deeply saddened to share the devastating news that the Gaudreau family has suffered a tragic and incomprehensible loss,” the campaign description reads. “On August 29, 2024, Matthew and his brother John were killed in a car accident.
“During this unimaginably difficult time, we are coming together to support Matthew’s wife Madeline and their growing baby Tripp, and to help ease some of the financial burdens they are now facing. Your support will allow them time off from work to grieve and heal as a family.”
In addition to supporting Matthew’s widow and their upcoming firstborn, the donations will also be used for funeral expenses.
The Gaudreau brothers are believed to have been riding bicycles when the fatal accident occurred just before 8:30 p.m. in Oldmans Township, Salem County.
Matthew and brother Johnny were hit by a vehicle while riding bicycles in New Jersey
The campaign was launched on Friday, less than 24 hours after the accident occurred
An image shows the crash that killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on Thursday night
Johnny, a former NHL winger, and his wife Meredith welcomed their second child in February
The two were struck and killed by another vehicle driven by Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Higgins has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter without bail or bond. The cancellation of Katie’s wedding was reported by Page Six.
Officers also allege that Higgins showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking “prior to and while operating his vehicle.”
While smelling of alcohol, Higgins allegedly told them that “his alcohol consumption contributed to his impatience and reckless driving.”