Matthew Gaudreau, a hockey coach, and his brother, Johnny Gaudreau, an NHL star player, were both tragically killed back in August by an alleged drunk driver. Four months after Matthew's death, his widow, Madeline Gaudreau, just welcomed their first baby, sharing the news in a heartwarming Instagram post.
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"Tripp Matthew ?? Mommy & Daddy's world," reads the Instagram post shared by Madeline. In the photo, you can see Madeline holding Tripp's baby hand and a sign that reads: "He's Here."
" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)">Madeline's family was quick to react to the sweet news of Tripp's birth. "Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop's hearts are overflowing with love for you, Tripp Matthew," Jane Gaudreau, Matthew and Johnny's mother wrote. "We are so incredibly proud of you and your mommy and I know your Daddy is too!"
Katie Gaudreau, Matthew and Johnny's sister also shared her happiness in the comment section. "Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! Aunt Katie loves you, mommy, and daddy SOOOO much," she wrote.
Many other followers and friends commented on the post. "What a perfect name for the perfect little angel! I cried seeing this. I believe he met his daddy and uncle before he came earth side," one user wrote. "He's got a lot of love here and in heaven, surrounding and watching over him!" a second user wrote. A third one said: "You're the strongest mama I know! I'm sure he's so perfect."
A Tragedy
Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau were riding their bikes on August 29 when a driver allegedly hit them while driving under the influence. Days later, on September 9, a joint funeral was celebrated to honor both brothers. During the emotional ceremony, Madeleine and Meredith, Johnny's widow, delivered speeches.
"Meredith, I am so sorry that we will forever share this bond," Madeleine said at the time, according to PEOPLE. "There is one person in this world that knows the exact feeling I am feeling, and that is you, and for that I am sorry."
She would continue by talking lovingly about her late husband. "He didn't have a bad bone in his body," Madeleine said. "I strive to be more like him. He did everything he was supposed to, and he did everything right."
"I feel numb, angry, sad, and blessed all at once," she continued "Some days the thought of this new reality is debilitating, but mostly I just miss Matt."
In October, it was revealed that Madeleine Gaudreau was pregnant with Matthew's baby. That same month, Madeleine celebrated Tripp's baby shower. "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," Madeleine wrote on Instagram.
The alleged drunk driver, Sean Higgins, admitted to police he had five or six beers before the fatal crash, according to ABC 7. He was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide.
