Wife and Son of Late Hockey Player Matthew Gaudreau Carry on His Legacy

Madeline Gaudreau welcomed their son Tripp four months after Matthew and his brother Johnny were killed in a car accident.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Matthew Gaudreau, a hockey player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, tragically passed away in August 2024 alongside his brother Johnny Gaudreau in a car accident. His wife Madeline Gaudreau welcomed their first child, son Tripp Matthew, just four months after Matthew's death. Madeline has been open about her grief and is working to honor Matthew's memory through a foundation started with Johnny's widow.

Why it matters

Matthew Gaudreau's story highlights the devastating impact of losing a loved one, especially for a young widow and new mother. Madeline's resilience in carrying on Matthew's legacy and providing for their son Tripp is an inspiring example of strength in the face of tragedy.

The details

Matthew Gaudreau and his wife Madeline met as teenagers in Nebraska, where Matthew was playing junior hockey. They dated long-distance while Matthew attended college in Boston, eventually marrying in July 2021. Madeline was pregnant with their first child when Matthew and his brother Johnny were killed by an alleged drunk driver in August 2024. Madeline welcomed their son Tripp in December 2024, nearly four months after Matthew's passing. She has since co-launched a foundation with Johnny's widow to honor the brothers' legacies and values.

  • Matthew Gaudreau and Madeline met as teenagers in Nebraska.
  • Matthew and Madeline married in July 2021.
  • Madeline announced she was pregnant in June 2024.
  • Matthew and his brother Johnny Gaudreau were killed in a car accident in August 2024.
  • Madeline welcomed their son Tripp in December 2024.

The players

Matthew Gaudreau

A hockey player for the Columbus Blue Jackets who tragically passed away in 2024 alongside his brother Johnny.

Madeline Gaudreau

Matthew Gaudreau's wife, who welcomed their son Tripp four months after Matthew's death and is working to honor his memory.

Johnny Gaudreau

Matthew Gaudreau's brother, an NHL star who was also killed in the 2024 car accident.

Meredith Gaudreau

Johnny Gaudreau's widow, who co-launched a foundation with Madeline Gaudreau to honor the brothers' legacies.

Tripp Matthew

The son of Matthew and Madeline Gaudreau, born four months after his father's passing.

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What they’re saying

“He made me a better person.”

— Madeline Gaudreau (Good Morning America)

“I will cherish those years and you for the rest of my life.”

— Madeline Gaudreau (Instagram)

“Because for a long time, Matt has wanted kids since I think he graduated college, and I was like, 'Matt, we're too young.' And a lot of people don't know, but in January we got pregnant, and I had a miscarriage in February. So then I got pregnant again in March with Tripp. But I never thanked him for making me a mom.”

— Madeline Gaudreau (Good Morning America)

What’s next

Madeline Gaudreau and Meredith Gaudreau plan to continue growing the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation to support causes and initiatives that align with the brothers' values.

The takeaway

Matthew Gaudreau's tragic passing has left a profound impact on his wife Madeline and their young son Tripp, but Madeline's resilience and commitment to honoring Matthew's memory is an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss.