Matthew Gaudreau’s wife is expecting their first child, according to recent announcements.
Tragically, Matthew Gaudreau was killed earlier this week along with his brother, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, while they were riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
The New Jersey State Police confirmed that the brothers were struck and killed by a car in the incident.
Police informed CBS News Philadelphia that the accident occurred around 8 PM on County Route 551 when the brothers were hit by a man driving a Jeep.
The driver, identified as Sean M. Higgins, was reportedly attempting to overtake another vehicle. PEOPLE reports that Higgins has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto.
In a statement provided to UNILAD, New Jersey State Police said: “Troopers responded to a motor vehicle crash at 8:19 p.m. on County Route 551 North, milepost 11.1 Oldmans Township, Salem County.”
“Based on a preliminary investigation, two pedalcyclists, John M. Gaudreau, a 31-year-old male from Carneys Point, N.J., and Matthew R. Gaudreau, a 29-year-old male from Pedricktown, N.J., were traveling north on County Route 551, close to the fog line of the roadway.”
“Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old male from Woodstown, N.J., was traveling north on CR 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee behind a sedan and SUV.”
“Higgins attempted to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV, entered the southbound lanes of travel, passed the slower-moving sedan, and attempted to re-enter the northbound lanes of travel when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass the two pedalcyclists traveling north on the right side of the roadway.”
The police further explained that Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right, leading to the collision with the cyclists.
“Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the two pedalcyclists in the rear,” the statement continued. “As a result of the collision, the two pedalcyclists sustained fatal injuries.”
“Through further investigation, Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, charged with two counts of death by auto, and lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility.”
A complaint obtained by The Post indicated that the officer on the scene detected a ‘strong odor of alcohol’ on Higgins.
Higgins allegedly admitted to police that he had consumed ‘five to six beers’ before the incident.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support the family during this devastating time.
The fundraiser has raised over $250,000, with a Facebook post by Madeline’s sister, Holland, providing more details: “My sister Madeline and the rest of the Gaudreau family is experiencing the unfathomable loss of Matthew and John.”
“Madeline is expecting their first child, baby Tripp in December. There are no words big or strong enough to convey our condolences.”
“Let’s come together to support them during this difficult time.”
The GoFundMe page states: “In this unimaginably difficult time, we are coming together to support Matthew’s wife, Madeline and their growing baby Tripp, and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. Your support will allow them the time to take off work to grieve and heal as a family.”
“Although no amount of money can ease the pain of loss, your support on any level will help take some of the financial weight off the Gaudreau family as they navigate this journey.”
Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, and their two children, one-year-old Noa and six-month-old Johnny.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.