A GoFundMe campaign dedicated to supporting Matthew Gaudreau’s pregnant wife, Madeline, has raised over $300,000 nearly two days after his tragic passing during a cycling accident in New Jersey.
Matthew and his brother, former Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau, were killed in a horrific bike crash in New Jersey on Thursday night – the evening of their sister Katie’s wedding.
Matthew leaves Madeline, who is five months pregnant, with a due date of December 31 for the couple’s son, Tripp, per PEOPLE.
The fundraiser titled ‘Support Madeline and Baby Tripp After Tragedy‘ was organized by Holland Korbitz on Friday with a target of $30k.
Less than 24 hours later, at the time of writing the campaign has reached $304,227 in donations, with over 4k donors.
Matthew Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Madeline, after his death on Thursday in New Jersey
A fundraiser dedicated to helping Madeline and the family financially has raised over $290k
‘We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that the Gaudreau family has experienced a tragic and unfathomable loss,’ the campaign description reads. ‘On August 29, 2024, a car accident took the lives of Matthew and his brother John.
‘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.’
Aside from supporting Matthew’s widow and their soon-to-be firstborn, donations will also be used towards funeral costs.
The Gaudreau brothers were believed to have been cycling when the fatal crash occurred just before 8:30pm in Oldmans Township, Salem County.
Matthew and brother Johnny were struck by a vehicle while cycling in New Jersey
The campaign was launched on Friday, less than 24 hours after the accident took place
A graphic displays 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 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Higgins has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide with no bail or bond. The cancellation of Katie’s wedding was reported by Page Six.
Officers also allege that Higgins showed signs of being drunk and admitted to drinking ‘prior to and while operating his vehicle’.
While reeking of alcohol, Higgins is said to have told them that ‘his consumption of alcoholic beverages contributed to his impatience and reckless driving.’
