Following the heartbreaking deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, more tragic details have emerged.
On Thursday evening (August 29), the two brothers were cycling through Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
New Jersey State Police tells PEOPLE that an alleged drunk driver by the name of Sean Higgins then attempted to pass an SUV that had moved into the middle of the road in order to give the Gaudreau brothers a safe distance.
Higgins is accused of fatally striking the brothers from behind.
Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29.
Just hours earlier, the brothers had been at a family wedding rehearsal, as they were set to be groomsmen in the wedding of their sister, Katie Gaudreau, as she prepared to marry hockey player Devin Joyce in Gloucester City, NJ.
The ceremony - which was supposed to take place the following day - was canceled.
Higgins has since been jailed and charged with two counts of death by auto.
On top of the already heartbreaking tragedy, it has now emerged that Matthew was expecting his first child with his wife, Madeline.
Loved ones have since set up a verified GoFundMe page in order to help support Madeline as she prepared to welcome their baby, who they have named Tripp.
A verified GoFundMe page was set up on Friday (August 30) to support Madeline and the baby, whose name will be Tripp.
The description on the page reads: "We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that the Gaudreau family has experienced a tragic and unfathomable loss. On August 29, 2024, a car accident took the lives of Matthew and his brother John.
"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."
It continues: "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.
"All donations raised will be transferred directly to Madeline to help pay for funeral expenses and baby Tripp."
As of this writing, more than $250,000 has been raised for the mom-to-be.
An online baby registry in Madeline and Matthew's names states that Tripp's due date is December 31, 2024.
In a photo shared by the brother's sister, Katie, from her bachelorette weekend, Madeline can be seen holding her baby bump.
Since the heartbreaking tragedy, the Gaudreau family has issued a statement via the brothers' uncle, Jim.
Issuing the statement to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche, it reads: "Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief."
The statement was signed "from all our families and the bottom of our hearts the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families."
Our thoughts continue to go out to the Gaudreau family and the brothers' loved ones at this time.
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