A GoFundMe for expectant father Matthew Gaudreau has already shattered its goal
A fundraiser for Matthew Gaudreau's family has already raised more than a half-million dollars for recently widowed Madeline and her baby on the way.
The leading image for the GoFundMe appeal shows a smiling Matthew Gaudreau holding up sonograms of "baby Tripp," who the fundraiser said is still growing.
More: Who is Johnny Hockey? What to know about late hockey player Johnny Gaudreau
Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau — brothers known for their work in the professional and South Jersey hockey community — were killed in Salem County by a suspected drunk driver Aug. 29. The pair were riding bikes the eve before their sister Katie's wedding, which was set to take place in Philadelphia the following day.
"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," fundraiser Holland Korbitz wrote.
Originally set to a goal of $30,000 to be applied toward funeral expenses and the baby, donations have grown to $536,270 from more than 7,000 donors as of Sept. 3.
According to social media posts by Madeline Gaudreau, the pair got engaged in 2019 and were married in 2021 before expecting their first child together.
A post on her Instagram shows that Tripp is set to arrive in December. The couple stands gazing into each other's eyes with their backs to the camera in black and white, a sonogram tucked into the back pocket of Madeline's jeans.
Since the accident, support has poured out on social media and in the GoFundMe comments for the Gaudreau family.
"Thoughts and prayers for the Gaudreau (family), may God give them the strength to keep going in what must be an incredibly tough moment," donor Ricardo Carbajal wrote.
More: Death of Johnny Gaudreau: Updates on NHL star killed by suspected DUI driver in New Jersey
Fellow donor Leah Keller said she's sending her love and support to the entire family as it deals with the "unimaginable loss" of the brothers.
"Praying Matty and John are skating with the angels," Keller wrote. "May you feel Matty watching over and guiding you everyday as you welcome your little blessing, Tripp into the world. Love from a fellow Boston College Eagle."
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at [email protected]. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: GoFundMe for Matthew Gaudreau family crushes goal
