GoFundMe fundraiser for Matthew Gaudreau's pregnant wife Madeline surpasses half a million dollars
Photo credit: Madeline Gaudreau ig/mogaudreau
A fundraiser for Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of Matthew Gaudreau, has quickly surpassed $500,000 in just four days.
The campaign, launched after Matthew's tragic death, aims to support Madeline, who is pregnant with their child.
Matthew Gaudreau, a former professional hockey player, lost his life at the age of 29 alongside his brother, Johnny Gaudreau, a 31-year-old NHL veteran, in a devastating bicycle accident in Oldmans Township, N.J. The brothers were struck by a Jeep while riding their bicycles, just days before they were set to be groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding.
In the wake of this tragedy, Madeline Gaudreau's sister, Holland Korbitz, initiated a fundraiser on gofundme.com last Friday, setting an initial goal of $30,000. The funds were intended to cover funeral expenses and provide financial support for Madeline and their unborn child, Tripp, allowing Madeline time to grieve without the added stress of financial concerns.
The response to the fundraiser has been overwhelming, with more than 7,000 donations pouring in, far surpassing the original goal. As of noon ET on Monday, the total amount raised stands at $503,324, with all proceeds going directly to Madeline Gaudreau, as stated in the campaign description.
On Saturday, Madeline Gaudreau expressed her grief and love for Matthew in an emotional Instagram post:
I have no words. I just miss you. I don't know my life without you. I have never experienced a pain like this. I am so blessed you chose me to be your wife. To love me.
You are the best thing about me. I know you are watching down in just as much pain as I am looking up. I will keep going for you and our son. I love you so much Matthew.
Matthew Gaudreau, from Carney's Point Township, N.J., played for the USHL's Omaha Lancers and Boston College before turning pro. He spent three seasons in the AHL and ECHL with teams like the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Stockton Heat. Gaudreau also played in Sweden in 2020-21 and briefly returned to the Railers in 2021-22 before moving into coaching.
Matthew Gaudreau most recently served as a coach at Gloucester Catholic High School, where both he and Johnny Gaudreau attended. Their father, Guy Gaudreau, also coached there. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Madeline Gaudreau reflected on the bond between the brothers:
It was always Matty and John. I can't even put into words the bond these two had, and right now, I don't have the strength. They were each other's biggest cheerleaders.
Madeline is expecting their son, Tripp, in December, according to her sister Holland Korbitz and instagram post.
For more information on how to support the Gaudreau family, you can visit the fundraiser page at GoFundMe-Support Madeline and Baby Tripp After Tragedy
Previously on Hockey Trade Rumours
| POLL | ||
2 SEPTEMBRE | 59 ANSWERS GoFundMe fundraiser for Matthew Gaudreau's pregnant wife Madeline surpasses half a million dollars Did you support Madeline and baby Tripp by donating to the fundraiser? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 33.9 % |
| No | 39 | 66.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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