Matthew Gaudreau’s Widow Madeline Posts Touching Photo of Late Husband, Brother-in-Law on Thanksgiving After Tragic Deaths

Mar. 15, 2025

Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau via Madeline Gaudreau’s Instagram; Madeline and Matthew Gaudreau.Photo:Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram; Matthew Gaudreau/Instagram

Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram; Matthew Gaudreau/Instagram

Matthew Gaudreau’s widowMadelinepaid tribute to her late husband and brother-in-law on the first Thanksgiving since theirtragic deaths.

Madeline posted a touching photo of Matthew and his brother Johnny — who bothdied in a bike crashin August on the night before their sister’s wedding — in a post on Instagram Stories on Thursday, Nov. 28.

“Happy Thanksgiving you two,” Madeline — who is currently pregnant with her and Matthew’s first child Tripp — wrote over a photo of Johnny and Matthew.

The photo of the brothers shows just the back of their heads as they enjoyed Bud Lights with their arms around one another on a couch.

Madeline Gaudreau’s Instagram photo.Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram

Madeline Gaudreau/Instagram

The brothers were laid to rest at a joint funeral on Sept. 9, where both of their widows gave emotional speeches honoring their late husbands. Both Johnny’s wifeMeredithand Matthew’s wife Madeline are pregnant,they confirmedat the funeral.

The sentimental Thanksgiving post from Madeline reflects theclose relationship between the two brothersthat family and friends have greatly highlighted since their passing.

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“And Matty was always there. Absolute best friends and biggest fans of each other despite polar opposite personalities,” she continued. “Everyone wanted to be around them, including me. I would sit back and watch John genuinely love his time with his brother.”

Johnny Gaudreau number 13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets.Jason Mowry/Getty

Jason Mowry/Getty

Matthew, 29, and Johhny, 31, were tragically killed when a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol struck and killed them near Country Route 551 North just after 8 p.m on Aug. 29.

New Jersey State Police said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time that the driver, identified as Sean M. Higgins, was attempting to pass another car when he fatally struck the brothers.

Johnny and Matthew were in Oldmans Township, New Jersey for their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding — which was rescheduled from its Aug. 30 date after the sudden death of the bride’s brothers — where they were set to serve as groomsmen.

source: people.com