While Matthew Gaudreau is suddenly dead, his wife Madeline is expecting their first child

Pregnant with the first child of Matthew Gaudreau, who was fatally injured riding on Thursday, Aug. 29 alongside his brother Johnny, is Madeline Gaudreau.

A baby register under Madeline and Matthew’s names notes a due date as December 31, 2024, and shows Madeline embracing a baby bump in a group picture from Katie Gaudreau’s bachelorette weekend uploaded on Aug. 4.

Friday, Aug. 30 saw the setup of a confirmed GoFundMe page to assist Madeline and the baby, whose name will be Tripp.

“We are devastated to announce the terrible and incomprehensible loss the Gaudreau family has suffered. Matthew and his brother John passed away in an automobile accident on August 29, 2024,” the GoFundMe page notes.

“We are gathering to assist Matthew’s wife, Madeline and their developing baby Tripp, and lessen some of their present financial obligations in this impossibly painful period. Their opportunity to take off from work to process and recover as a family will be made possible by your help.

Furthermore mentioned by the brothers’ uncle Jim Gaudreau to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche is the family’s grief over the death of “two fathers.”

“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,” the family’s statement, supplied by Jim added.

“We value your ongoing prayers and thoughts and want to let everyone know we are getting your messages of love and encouragement. We beg for your ongoing respect and privacy during this extremely trying period of loss,” the statement went on.

New Jersey State Police informed PEOPLE that Matthew and Johnny, who played professional hockey for the Columbus Blue Jackets, were murdered at 8 p.m. on Thursday evening in New Jersey when a motorist suspected of drunk driving struck both brothers.

Authorities determined Sean M. Higgins to be the driver. Police reported Higgins was detained and accused of two charges of death by auto.

Johnny’s wife Meredith, their two children—son Johnny, seven months and daughter Noa, who turns two in October—survive.

According the wedding website, the brothers were in New Jersey getting ready for their sister’s wedding, set for August 30. List of groomsmen for the ceremony included both brothers.

TMZ said that the location of the ceremony confirmed that the wedding had been called off following the tragedy.

The Blue Jackets’ statement claimed they are “shocked and devastated” by the sad news. “We shall sorely mourn him and do all we can to help his family and one another through this loss. At this point, we pray for the Gaudreau family and demand respect of their privacy while they heal.” The statement said.