Madeline Gaudreau GoFundMe raises over $859,000 as late ice hockey player’s pregnant wife gives birth to first child

A GoFundMe campaign set up in support of Madeline Gaudreau, widow of former ice hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, has raised $859,000 for the family. Matthew tragically died in August 2024, and the campaign was originally created with a $30,000 goal for monetary support for Madeline and her unborn baby.

Matthew Gaudreau, 29, and his brother Johnny Gaudreau, 31, who became stars in the N.H.L. playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, were fatally struck while they were cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

According to People Magazine, Sean Higgins, a suspected drunk driver, hit the brothers and has been charged with vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter.

Joined by Johnny’s widow, Meredith, at the funeral, Madeline Gaudreau delivered a heartfelt speech to her late husband as the brothers were laid to rest on September 9.

The GoFundMe campaign, which was organized by Madeline Gaudreau’s sister, Holland Korbitz, received donations from over 9,000 people, including major contributions from multiple people affiliated with hockey.

Among the biggest donors were Cliff Rucker, owner of the Worcester Railers HC, for which Matthew played briefly. The famous golfer and long-time fan of the N.H.L., Brooks Koepka, supposedly donated $10,000. Artemi Panarin’s wife, Alisa, also donated $3,000, according to the reports by USA Today.

On December 29, Madeline Gaudreau shared the news of her baby boy, Tripp Matthew, on Instagram. The child’s middle name seems to be a tribute to his late father, in honor of the legacy Matthew left behind.

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How Madeline Gaudreau Celebrated her Baby Shower amid her husband Matthew Gaudreau's death

Matthew Gaudreau tragically died in a bike accident on August 29, only weeks before his baby shower. Hosted by close friends and family, the event included sentimental “heaven” themed decor, consisting of blue and white balloons and a photo wall honoring Matthew (People).

Madeline Gaudreau thanked her guests on Instagram, calling it the “Baby Shower of my Dreams,” and tearfully credited her late husband’s memory. She wrote:

"Thank you @gabriellevasaturo for hosting. @bitesizedsis you’re amazing, my husband would have loved all the balloons. The way you were able to tie in my husband brought instant tears when I walked in."

She further continued by thanking the people present at the ceremony, stating how she is glad that her newborn son has so many people around him to remind him of how amazing his father and uncle were.

There were placards congratulating the newborn and balloons spelling "Tripp." The family felt "Daddy and Uncle John" at the celebration, according to Katie, Madeline's sister-in-law, who shared heartwarming photos from the day.