More than $340,000 has been raised for the family of Matthew Gaudreau - who died on Thursday alongside his NHL star brother, Johnny.
On the evening of August 29, siblings Matthew and Johnny were cycling through Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
Just hours prior, they had attended a wedding rehearsal as their sister, Katie Gaudreau, prepared to marry hockey player Devin Joyce the following day.
However, New Jersey State Police tells PEOPLE that when an alleged drunk driver attempted to pass an SUV that had moved into the middle of the road in order to give the Gaudreau brothers a safe distance, he fatally collided with the brothers.
Johnny was 31 years old and Matthew was 29.
The tragedy meant that their sister's ceremony was canceled, as the family mourned the loss of the two hockey players.
The driver of the vehicle - 43-year-old Sean Higgins - is being held in jail after being charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Meredith, and two children one-year-old Noa and 6-month-old Johnny. And Matthew leaves behind his wife, Madeline, who is currently pregnant with their first child.
Following the tragedy, a verified GoFundMe page was set up on Friday 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."
Amazingly, the public has come through for the family - raising over $340,000 from more than 4,700 donations.
An online baby registry in Madeline and Matthew's names states that Tripp's due date is December 31, 2024.
Johnny's wife, Meredith, has also taken to social media to pay tribute to her late husband.
In an emotional Instagram post - in which, she shared several family photos of Johnny with his family - she wrote: "The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with.
"John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him.
"We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy."
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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