Online fundraiser for Matthew Gaudreau’s widow raises more than $550K as sports world mourns

(AP) — Tributes are pouring in from the hockey community following the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were killed last week in a car crash caused by a suspected drunk driver while they were riding their bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.

Jaromir Jagr posted a video on social media Tuesday showing Gaudreau assisting on his 766th and final league goal while with the Calgary Flames in 2018.

“That was a beautiful pass, first and foremost,” Jagr wrote in Czech. “Unfortunately, life can be incredibly cruel sometimes. Thank you, Johnny Gaudreau, for being here and giving all these guys hope with your incredible performances that they can succeed at the world level in the NHL, just like you did. My sincere condolences to your family. Rest in peace to you and your brother.”

Donations also continued to pour in for Matthew’s widow, Madeline, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child, due in December. A GoFundMe set up by Madeline’s sister, Holland Korbitz, and verified by an online fundraising company, had raised more than $550,000 as of 4 p.m. ET Tuesday.

The more than 7,700 donors included dozens of current and former players from across the league or their loved ones, including $3,000 from the family of New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin and $2,013 from Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene, for a total of $552,554 — significantly more than the initial goal of $30,000.

Cliff Rucker, owner of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers HC, where Matthew played for two seasons from 2017-19, was listed as the top donor, giving $10,000.

“Maddy, the entire Railers HC family stands with you shoulder to shoulder during this unimaginable and difficult time for you and your loved ones,” Rucker commented. “You and Matty will always be a part of our Railer family and I hope you feel the love and support we send you.”

The Gaudreau brothers were riding their bikes on a road in Oldmans Township Thursday night when a man driving an SUV in the same direction tried to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind around 8 p.m., according to New Jersey State Police. They died at the scene.

Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being intoxicated and charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter, as well as reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. Police did not release any further information about the case Tuesday, including Higgins’ blood-alcohol level, which was released at the time.

No information was obtained about the funeral or mourning ceremonies, public or private.

Fans in Columbus on Friday created a memorial out of hockey sticks, flowers and other memorabilia outside the Blue Jackets arena downtown. Flames fans in Calgary, Alberta, also paid tribute with messages and Gaudreau’s No. 13 written in chalk on the ground outside the Saddledome.

The Blue Jackets announced that fans are invited to a candlelight vigil Wednesday night outside Nationwide Arena, during which members of the organization will give short speeches and honor the jersey numbers worn by Johnny and Matthew for 13 minutes and 21 seconds.

The Blue Jackets said general manager Don Waddell and players will speak to reporters Wednesday afternoon.

“Janet, I and our entire family are devastated by this senseless tragedy,” Wayne Gretzky wrote on social media over the Labor Day weekend. “We send our love, thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family. We have lost two wonderful young men who were loved and who were such a powerful presence both on and off the ice. Johnny and Matthew, you will always be remembered and missed.”

Their deaths, on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding in Philadelphia on Friday, transcended hockey. Commentator Bob Wischusen offered somber words about Johnny and Matthew during ESPN’s broadcast of Monday night’s college football game between Florida State and Boston College, the school the Gaudreau brothers attended and played together for a season a decade ago.

“The entire National Hockey League, as well as the Boston College community and many others, were devastated Friday to learn of the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau,” Wischusen said. “Our hearts are broken and we send our best thoughts and prayers to their wives, Johnny Gaudreau’s young children, baby Matthew on the way, and all of their family and friends.”

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Associated Press reporters Bruce Shipkowski in New Jersey and Karel Janicek in Prague contributed to this report.

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