Matthew Gaudreau's wife Madeline shares tearjerking post reflecting on late husband's support through pregnancy

The late Matthew Gaudreau's wife, Madeline Gaudreau, shared a heartfelt post about his support during her pregnancy. On Sunday, she posted a picture of her hand on her Instagram story showing a hand with an IV resting on a soft blanket. She captioned it:

“HAD MATTY WITH ME THE WHOLE TIME 💙🤍🦋,” honoring his presence despite his absence.

via Instagram @mogaudreau

Madeline was wearing a bracelet with Matthew Gaudreau’s jersey number “21,” symbolizing his presence. The bracelet was part of a fundraiser organized by Danielle Nyquist’s Arm Candy LLC, featuring gold, blue, and white beads with the Gaudreau brothers’ jersey numbers. Over 500 women across the NHL community supported the fundraiser, raising $20,000 for the Gaudreau Brothers Foundation.

Matthew Gaudreau, 29, and his brother Johnny, 31, died in a bike crash on August 29, 2023. The accident happened in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their hometown. They were in town to attend their sister’s wedding. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, admitted to drinking before the crash and now faces legal charges.

---

Matthew Gaudreau and Madeline's son Tripp came into this world

On Dec. 29, Madeline announced the birth of her son, Tripp Matthew, on Instagram. She took a photo holding Tripp’s tiny hand and wrote:

“Mommy & Daddy’s world.”

The post received loving messages from family members, including Johnny’s wife, Meredith, and their sister, Katie.

Matthew Gaudreau and Johnny's mom Jane replied:

"Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop’s hearts are overflowing with love for you, Tripp Matthew. We are so incredibly proud of you and your mommy and I know your Daddy is too!💙"

Johnny's wife Meredith replied:

"I love you Baby Tripp!"

At the brothers’ funerals in September, Madeline remembered Matthew’s excitement about becoming a dad.

“He was born to be a dad,” she said.

She shared how he prepared for their baby by researching, asking for advice, and planning.

"The moment we found out about our son Tripp, it consumed his every day," Madeline said. "He was downloading apps, ordering books, finding the best diaper brand, making sure I had the best vitamins, and asking for tips from John.

"I will never forget the tears he had in his eyes when he first heard Tripp's heartbeat ... I know Matt will surround his son for the rest of his life."

The families have supported each other through this tragedy. Madeline's son, Tripp, represents hope and a lasting connection to Matthew.