Matthew Gaudreau’s widow gives birth to the couple’s first child

philadelphia – Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of local hockey star Matthew Gaudreau, who was killed by a suspected drunk driver while cycling with his brother Johnny, has given birth to the couple’s first child.

Madeline shared a photo on Instagram of herself holding her newborn’s hand with the caption: “Trip Matthew Mommy and Daddy’s World.”

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding their bicycles on a rural New Jersey road in August after returning home to their Salem County home for their sister’s wedding when they were killed by drunk driver Sean Higgins. It was done.

Investigators say Higgins allegedly tried to pass on the right side of the road, causing the fatal accident, when two slow-moving vehicles in front of Higgins struck the Gaudreau brothers, who were riding bicycles on the shoulder of the road. The driver temporarily used oncoming traffic to safely pass the vehicle.

Higgins was over the legal limit and failed a field sobriety test, but admitted to drinking five or six beers before getting behind the wheel, had an upsetting conversation with his mother, and then spoke with a friend. He told police that he was driving while talking on the phone.

He was charged with causing death by motor vehicle, reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a vehicle.

Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were fixtures in the New Jersey hockey world, having attended Gloucester Catholic High School. Their father was the school’s hockey coach for more than 10 years.

The brothers each attended Boston University and shared the ice for one season. Johnny played 11 seasons in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew last played professionally for Worcester Railers in 2022.