Madeline Gaudreau Marks Late Husband Matthew’s Birthday With Tribute

Madeline Gaudreau is celebrating her late husband Matthew on what would have been his 31st birthday.

Madeline took to her Instagram Story to show off her new tattoo, which is of the couple’s son Tripp’s name, on her arm. She also shared a photo of her and Matthew, captioned “happy birthday my hubby.” On a subsequent slide, she posted a photo from their wedding, captioned “I love you.”

Matthew, a former hockey player at Boston College,and his brother, Johnny, a former star with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, were killed in August 2024 when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bikes. Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29 when they died. They were in New Jersey to attend their sister Katie’s wedding, scheduled for the day after they were killed.

Sean Higgins, who failed multiple field sobriety tests at the scene, was taken into custody and is currently facing charges of vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter.

Four months after their deaths, Madeline gave birth to Tripp, her and Matthew’s only child. Johnny’s wife, Meredith, welcomed the couple’s third baby, Carter, eight months after the accident. Meredith and Johnny also shared daughter Noa, born in 2022, and son Johnny Jr., born in 2024.

As for Madeline, this wasn’t the first time she got a tattoo to honor her family. In April, she revealed that she had Matthew’s No. 21 tattooed on the back of her forearm. She also got TM and MR tattooed on her wrist (Matthew’s middle name was Ryan and Tripp’s is Matthew).

“I wanted Matty’s initials to be right next to Tripp’s — as his dad will always be right next to him 🤍🦋,” she explained in the comments section.

She also showed fans Tripp’s nursery in January, which includes an illustration of both Matthew and Johnny standing in their hockey jerseys alongside a young player.

Speaking at her husband’s funeral in September 2024, Madeline reflected on being a single mom.

“This last week has felt like I’ve been trapped in a nightmare I can’t wake up from,” she said. “I feel numb, angry, sad, blessed all at once. Some days, the thought of this new reality is debilitating, but mostly I just miss Matt.”

Madeline added, “Matt will surround his son for the rest of his life. I’m so thankful God gave us a child, a little Matty, to run around for life, to carry on his legacy. Tripp will know how much his father loved him, and I promise to do all the things with him we talked about.”

Meredith also promised to look after Madeline and Tripp.

“I don’t think John could live a day without you so I’m comforted knowing you are of course together in heaven,” she wrote via Instagram in August 2024. “Please continue to take care of John like you always have. I got Madeline and Tripp 🤍. We love you very much.”

In a June story for the Players’ Tribune, Meredith expanded on her feelings and how having young children has impacted the grieving process.

“I looked at Noa and baby Johnny and I felt a pain that I hadn’t felt before,” Meredith wrote. “Our two babies who have to grow up without their dad, without their amazing uncle.”