Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau’s brother Matthew Gaudreau, gave birth to her first child just months after her husband and his brother were killed by an alleged drunk driver.
The new mom shared the news on Instagram on Sunday, revealing her baby boy’s name: Tripp Matthew.
“Mommy & Daddy’s world,” the caption read, accompanying a photo of the newborn’s tiny hand as he laid on a baby blanket next to a sign that read, “He’s Here.”
Madeline lost her husband, 29-year-old Matthew Gaudreau, and his brother, 31-year-old Johnny Gaudreau, on Aug. 29 when the pair was hit by an alleged drunk driver while biking in New Jersey. They died the evening before they were supposed to serve as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, is charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Madeline and Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, gave a joint eulogy at their husbands’ double funeral on Sept. 9.
“I urge everyone to never drink and drive,” Madeline said. “Call a ride. Please do not put another family through this torture. The loss of Matty and John will leave a hole in the family, with his close friends, the community, for eternity.”
Madeline posted a series of photos from her baby shower on Instagram in October, including blue and white balloons, as well as “little piece of heaven” themed decor.
“My husband would have loved all the balloons,” she said. “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.”
