Matthew Gaudreau’s wife is expecting their first child amid his tragic death
Matthew Gaudreau’s wife is expecting their first child, it has been revealed.
The dad-to-be was tragically killed earlier this week, alongside his brother - NHL star Johnny Gaudreau - while the pair were riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
The brothers were struck by a car and killed in the incident, New Jersey State Police confirmed.
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Police told CBS News Philadelphia the pair had been riding their bikes along County Route 551 at around 8pm when they were struck by a man driving a Jeep.
The driver - Sean M Higgins - was reportedly trying to overtake a vehicle. He has been arrested and charged with two counts of death by auto, PEOPLE reports.
In a statement, New Jersey State Police, told UNILAD: "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 pedalcyclist traveling north on the right side of the roadway."
The police explained that Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right, before colliding 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."
According to a complaint obtained by The Post, the officer who arrived on the scene detected a 'strong odor of alcohol' on Higgins.
He allegedly told police he had had 'five to six beers' before the incident.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family, as they try to deal with the devastating loss.
The page has so far raised over $250,000, with a Facebook post by Madeline's sister, Holland, explaining: "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.
"Lets come together to support them during this difficult time."
Meanwhile, the GoFundMe explains: "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 is survived by his wife, Meredith, and the pair have two children, one-year-old Noa and six-month-old Johnny.
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Lucy Devine