• News
  • Life
  • TV & Film
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Entertainment
    • Politics
    • Royal Family
  • Life
    • Animals
    • Food & Drink
    • Women's Health
    • Mental Health
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Travel
    • Real Life
  • TV & Film
    • True Crime
    • Documentaries
    • Netflix
    • BBC
    • ITV
    • Tyla Recommends
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Make-up
    • Skincare
  • Style
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
Submit Your Content
Matthew Gaudreau's mother speaks out as he welcomes first son from beyond the grave

Home> News

Published 10:36 1 Jan 2025 GMT

Matthew Gaudreau's mother speaks out as he welcomes first son from beyond the grave

Ice hockey player Matthew Gaudreau and his brother Johnny were killed in a bicycle accident involving a drunk driver back in August

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna Benson

The mother of Matthew Gaudreau - who tragically died in a bicycle accident four months ago - has issued an emotional statement today, just days after the late 29-year-old's wife gave birth to their son.

Madeline Gaudreau announced on social media that she'd welcomed a baby boy on 29 December, issuing a tribute to her late husband in the caption.

Matthew and his brother Johnny died in August (Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram)
Matthew and his brother Johnny died in August (Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram)

Prior to his shock passing, Matthew had been a professional ice hockey player, with fatherhood just ahead of him.

Advert

His wife Madeline was five months pregnant back in August of this year, and his sister was set to get married.

Tragically, however, just one day prior to the nuptials, Matthew and his 31-year-old brother Johnny became embroiled in a devastating collision, allegedly involving a drunk driver.

The brothers - who were riding bicycles at the time - were both killed.

Four months to the day of their deaths, however, and Madeline this week welcomed a beautiful baby boy.

Advert

Sharing the news on Instagram, she told new followers that she'd decided to name her son Tripp Matthew, after the father he'll sadly never meet - an idea she first announced at his eulogy back in September.

In the caption of a photo which saw her holding the infant's tiny hand, as well as a tiny sign which read, 'He's here', Madeline wrote: "Tripp Matthew - Mommy & Daddy’s world."

Following the news, Matthew's mother Jane has since spoken out, claiming she couldn't be happier to have a new addition to the family despite the bittersweet circumstances.

Madeline gave birth to the baby boy on December 29. (Instagram/mogaudreau)
Madeline gave birth to the baby boy on December 29. (Instagram/mogaudreau)

Advert

Taking to the comments of Madeline's sweet snap, she said on behalf of herself and her husband: "Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop’s hearts are overflowing with love for you, Tripp Matthew."

Jane went on to pen: "We are so incredibly proud of you and your mommy and I know your Daddy is too!"

At the his eulogy, Madeline recalled how excited Matthew had been about the prospect of becoming a dad.

"The moment we found out about our son, Tripp, it consumed his every day," she told attendees at the time.

Advert

"He was downloading apps, ordering books, finding the best diaper brands. Making sure I had the best vitamins and asking for tips from John."

Reflecting on her own heartache, Madeline admitted: "This last week has felt like a nightmare I can't wake up from.

"I feel numb, angry, sad, blessed all at once. Some days, the thought of this new reality is debilitating, but most of all, I just miss Matt."

After announcing the news of Tripp's birth, however, thousands of other tributes to Matthew came pouring in, telling Madeline how proud he'd be of her for welcoming their baby boy.

Advert

One commented on Madeline's post: "Beautiful name. I know it has to be so sad not to share this with him… makes me cry.

"He’d [be] so proud of you! Great job mommy."

Matthew was 29-years-old when he died (Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram)
Matthew was 29-years-old when he died (Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram)

Another said: "OMG I’ve been thinking about this everyday this month and wondering when he would come. Hope you and baby boy are healing!"

A third added: "Congratulations, enjoy all the newborn snuggles. So happy he’s here safe. You now have a part of Matthew with you. Thinking of you both."

In the months following the accident, the driver responsible for Matthew and Johnny's deaths - 44-year-old Sean M. Higgins - was indicted on multiple charges.

On 11 December, documents obtained by PEOPLE from the Salem County court revealed that Higgins had been charged with second-degree reckless vehicular homicide and first-degree aggravated manslaughter.

He was also charged with fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Featured Image Credit: Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram

Topics: Crime, News, Parenting, US News, Social Media

Rhianna Benson
Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

X

@rhiannaBjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

a day ago
  • Nathan Howard/Getty ImagesNathan Howard/Getty Images
    a day ago

    Doctor explains Joe Biden’s skin cancer surgery as possible side effects revealed

    The former US President was recently spotted with a fresh scar on his forehead

    News
  • Getty Stock ImagesGetty Stock Images
    a day ago

    Florida ends all vaccine mandates for children as experts issue major warning

    Joseph Ladapo, the state's surgeon general, likened vaccine mandates to 'slavery'

    News
  • Karwai Tang/WireImageKarwai Tang/WireImage
    a day ago

    Body language expert reveals how Kate Middleton felt as she debuted major appearance change

    Royal fans were left shocked after the Princess of Wales showed off her new hair

    News
  • Alex Wong/Getty ImagesAlex Wong/Getty Images
    a day ago

    Donald Trump's jet flyover during Jeffrey Epstein accusers' emotional speech fuels major debate

    Victims of Epstein's sex trafficking abuse made statements on the steps of the US Capitol this week

    News
  • Parents of two children killed in Minneapolis school shooting speak out
  • Millionaire sparks debate after revealing controversial way he and his partner chose egg donor for child
  • Doctor issues grave warning as 'chroming' trend gains popularity among Gen Z
  • Playboy's Hugh Hefner is still giving strict instructions to his heirs from beyond the grave