GoFundMe campaign launched after death of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau raises historic amount

OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY: The hockey world and beyond is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of NHL superstar Johnny Gaudreau (31) and his brother Matthew Gaudreau (29), who died in a tragic car accident.

Her untimely death sparked a tremendous outpouring of generosity, culminating in an extraordinary response to a GoFundMe campaign that exceeded all expectations, the Daily Mail reported.

GoFundMe launched after the death of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau raises enormous sums

Following the death of the Gaudreau brothers, the international community has come together to support their grieving family.

The GoFundMe campaign, started by Holland Korbitz, sister of Matthew's wife Madeline, has become a beacon of hope during this dark time.

The fundraiser, titled “Support Madeline and Baby Tripp After Tragedy,” was launched with a modest goal of $30,000. But in just a few days, the campaign exceeded that goal, raising a historic $493,000 from around 7,000 donations by September 2.

Matthew's wife Madeline is currently five months pregnant and expecting their first child, a son they plan to name Tripp, due on December 31st.

The campaign description sums up the seriousness of the situation: “It is with great pain that we must deliver the devastating news that the Gaudreau family has suffered a tragic and unfathomable loss. On August 29, 2024, Matthew and his brother John lost their lives in a car accident.”

The message continued: “During this unimaginably difficult time, we stand together to support Matthew's wife Madeline and their growing baby Tripp and to help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face. Your support will allow them time off from work to grieve and heal as a family.”

The fatal accident that killed the Gaudreau brothers occurred on the evening of August 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.

The brothers were believed to be riding their bicycles when they were struck by a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey. Authorities suspect Higgins was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Higgins has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and is currently in custody. According to the police report, officers at the scene noticed signs of intoxication and found that Higgins admitted to drinking both before and while driving.

Witnesses reported that Higgins smelled strongly of alcohol and even admitted that his alcohol consumption contributed to his “impatience and reckless driving.”

News about the GoFundMe campaign triggers strong reactions on the Internet

As news of the GoFundMe campaign spread, a flood of reactions quickly erupted online.

One person commented: “This is one of the saddest things ever. Truly heartbreaking.” Another said: “Every part of this is such a sad story for everyone involved.”

“This whole tragedy is just unbelievable. He was a great player and his life was just beginning,” one person wrote. Another added: “Such a horrific story and my deepest condolences go out to the family.”

One person wrote: “It's terribly painful. I just can't take it. Thank heavens for people's generosity.” Another stressed: “There is absolutely nothing that can bring her back except the warmth and helpfulness of people at such a difficult time.”

One netizen commented: “So sad that she is expecting her first baby.” Another added: “This kind of support from people reignites my hope in humanity.”

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