Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, who was killed alongside his brother when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver, has given birth to their son four months after her husband's death. Madeline announced the birth of her son on December 29 and also revealed that the baby's name honors his late father.
"Tripp Matthew 🤍🦋 Mommy & Daddy’s world," she posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of the baby holding a hand with a sign saying, "He’s here nearby."
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The announcement prompted an outpouring of support and well wishes.
"Beautiful name," someone commented. "I know it has to be so sad not to share this with him… makes me cry."
"💙 Daddy and Uncle John are watching over you Tripp 💙," another added.
"Welcome sweet boy," another person said. "I’m sure you are having all the feels. I hope you can feel an entire world wrapping their arms around you 🙏"
"Congratulations! Matthew is looking down on you both so proud!" another shared.
In late August, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, and Johnny Gaudreau, 31, were biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, when they were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver. The brothers were set to attend their sister’s wedding the following day.
Both brothers played hockey at Boston College, and Johnny went on to become a standout in the NHL, first with the Calgary Flames and then with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who paid tribute to him at their season's first home game.
In June, Madeline shared that she and Matthew were expecting their first child together.
"Baby Gaudreau Arriving in December 🤍🌈," she captioned a black-and-white photo of them with a sonogram peeking out of her back pocket.
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In October, Madeline celebrated her late husband with a special baby shower.
"Baby Shower of my Dreams," she wrote in an Instagram post showcasing photos from the celebration. She also expressed gratitude to the event planner, saying, "The way you were able to tie in my husband brought instant tears when I walked in. All my friends and family, nothing will bring his dad back or uncle John, but I am glad he has so many amazing people around him to remind him how amazing they are 💙."
A joint funeral service for Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau was held in September.
During her eulogy, Madeline shared, "For anyone that knows Matty knows he was born to be a dad. 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."
She mentioned that her husband attended all her doctor visits and was dedicated to setting up a nursery for their baby.
"Matthew worked so hard on that room, and I can feel him in there every time I go in it. Matthew was so excited to welcome Tripp into this world, and although the plan now looks a little different, I know Matt will surround his son for the rest of his life," she added.
"I’m so thankful God gave us a child, a little Matty to run around for life, to carry on his legacy. Tripp will know how much his father loved him, and I promise to do all the things with him we talked about."
During the funeral, Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, also announced she was expecting their third child. They already have a daughter, Noa, 2, and a son, Johnny, born in February.
