Legendary hockey player Jaromir Jagr expressed his admiration for Johnny Gaudreau’s incredible performance in the NHL, emphasizing that it gave hope to aspiring players. However, Jagr also acknowledged the cruel nature of life and extended his condolences to Gaudreau’s family. Rest in peace to both Johnny and his brother.
The generosity of donations continued to pour in to support Madeline, the widow of Matthew, who is expecting their first child in December. A verified GoFundMe campaign, organized by Madeline’s sister Holland Korbitz, has already raised over $560,000 as of Tuesday evening.
Among the more than 7,800 donors, numerous current and former players from various NHL teams have contributed, including $3,000 from Artemi Panarin’s family and $2,013 from Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars. The total amount raised, currently at $567,127, far surpasses the initial goal of $30,000.
Cliff Rucker, owner of the Worcester Railers HC, the ECHL team where Matthew played for two seasons, stands out as the top donor with a generous amount of $10,000.
Rucker expressed his unwavering support to Madeline during this unimaginably difficult time for her and her loved ones. He reminded her that she and Matthew will always remain a part of the Railers HC family and assured her of the love and support sent their way.
The tragic incident occurred when the Gaudreau brothers were cycling in Oldmans Township on Thursday night. A driver under the influence of alcohol attempted to pass two other vehicles and ultimately collided with them from behind. Tragically, both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, identified as 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. New Jersey State Police stated that no additional information, including Higgins’ blood alcohol level, will be released at this time.
No details regarding funeral or memorial services, either public or private, have been made available yet.
Jim Gaudreau, the uncle of the Gaudreau brothers, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support and outpouring of condolences. He mentioned the growing memorials, the messages of love and kindness, and the various tokens of remembrance left by individuals, professional athletes, and organizations. He also mentioned the acts of compassion from strangers, which provided solace to the grieving family.
In Columbus, fans paid tribute to the Gaudreau brothers outside the Blue Jackets downtown arena with a memorial composed of hockey sticks, flowers, and other meaningful items. Similarly, Calgary Flames fans in Alberta showed their support by writing messages and Johnny Gaudreau’s jersey number, 13, in chalk outside the Saddledome.
The Blue Jackets organization has invited fans to a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night outside Nationwide Arena. The event will include brief remarks from members of the organization and a 13-minute, 21-second moment of silence in remembrance of Johnny and Matthew’s jersey numbers.
General Manager Don Waddell, as well as players, will address reporters later in the afternoon on Wednesday.
Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and his family expressed their devastation over the tragic loss. The impact of the Gaudreau brothers’ untimely death extended beyond the realm of hockey. During ESPN’s college football broadcast of Monday night’s game between Florida State and Boston College, play-by-play broadcaster Bob Wischusen somberly acknowledged Johnny and Matthew, who had both attended and played hockey together at Boston College a decade ago.
The entire National Hockey League, along with the Boston College community and countless others, was devastated upon learning the news of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s passing. Our hearts are broken, and we send heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Johnny Gaudreau’s young children, Matthew’s unborn child, their wives, and all their family and friends.
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