Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of late hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, has shared the bittersweet news that she has given birth to their first child, a son named Tripp Matthew Gaudreau. This joyful occasion comes just four months after the tragic death of her husband, who was killed alongside his brother, NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, in a horrific bicycle accident.
The brothers were struck by an alleged drunk driver in August, just a day before they were to serve as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding. Matthew, 29, was a former standout hockey player at Boston College, while Johnny, 31, played for the Columbus Blue Jackets at the time of his death. Both brothers left behind pregnant wives.
At Johnny’s memorial service in September, his widow, Meredith Gaudreau, shared that she was nine weeks pregnant with their third child. Madeline also revealed that she was pregnant with their first child, a son. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, Madeline proudly announced the birth of their son, Tripp Matthew Gaudreau.
Katie Gaudreau, the brothers’ sister, who was due to marry the day after the tragedy, responded to the post with love, saying: “Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! Aunt Katie loves you, mommy, and daddy SOOOO much.”
At the brothers’ funeral in September, Madeline shared how excited Matthew had been about becoming a father. “He was born to be a dad,” she said. “The moment we found out about our son Tripp, it consumed his every day. He was downloading apps, ordering books, finding the best diaper brand, making sure I had the best vitamins and asking for tips from John. I will never forget the tears he had in his eyes when he first heard Tripp’s heartbeat.”
A GoFundMe page was set up to support Madeline as a first-time mom and widow, with the funds aimed at helping her during this difficult time. The page reads: “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.”
Katie, still deeply affected by the loss, rescheduled her wedding for July 2025. She reflected on the tragic turn of events in a recent Instagram post: “Right in the middle of getting ready for the best day of my life, the unthinkable happens that will change my life forever.”
The driver accused of killing the Gaudreau brothers, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, faces charges of death by auto and other related offenses. Higgins, who admitted to drinking alcohol while driving, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. His arraignment is set for January 7, According to the Associated Press.