Matthew Gaudreau, 29, and his brother Johnny Gaudreau, 31, tragically died in a car accident in New Jersey on August 29, 2024. Matthew was soon to become a father, as his wife, Madeline Gaudreau, was pregnant with their first child, a baby boy who would be named Tripp. The heartbreaking news was shared on a GoFundMe page set up by the family to support Madeline during this difficult time.
The Gaudreau brothers were riding their bikes on a rural road when they were struck from behind by a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, attempted to pass another vehicle when the fatal collision occurred. Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto. The incident has left the family devastated as they cope with the sudden loss of two beloved members.
Matthew and Madeline had been together for 11 years, having started dating in 2013 while Matthew was playing hockey for Boston College alongside Johnny. The couple married on July 17, 2021, with Johnny getting married to his wife Meredith just two months later. Johnny and Meredith recently welcomed their second child, adding to the family’s joy before the tragedy struck.
In the aftermath of the accident, the Gaudreau family, through their uncle Jim Gaudreau, expressed their deep grief and thanked everyone for their messages of love and support. They also requested privacy as they navigated this challenging time. The deaths of Matthew and Johnny have left a significant void in the family and the broader community.
This incident not only marks a tragic end for two brothers who had shared so much together but also a bittersweet future for Matthew’s unborn son, Tripp, who will grow up never knowing his father. The family and friends of the Gaudreaus are now left to mourn and remember the lives of two individuals who were deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
