Katie Gaudreau is a doting aunt to her late brother Matthew’s son, Tripp.
“Tripp Matthew. 
,” Katie captioned a photo of her holding baby Tripp — whom Matthew’s widow, Madeline, welcomed in December — shared via Instagram on Saturday, February 1.
“I love you forever and ever. We are so lucky to have our little piece of heaven on earth. You look more and more like your dad every day. Words can’t begin to express how much I love you ,” Katie continued in the caption.
Madeline welcomed her and Matthew’s first baby after her husband’s tragic death in August 2024, just a day before Katie’s wedding.
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“Tripp Matthew ,” Madeline wrote via Instagram on Sunday, December 29, welcoming the newborn. “Mommy & Daddy’s world.” Her post included a snap of Madeline holding the newborn’s tiny hand, alongside a small sign that reads, “He’s here.” She also tagged Matthew in the post.
Matthew and his brother, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while biking near their New Jersey hometown in August. Matthew was 29, and Johnny was 31.
Madeline and Matthew were together for nearly 15 years and married for three before his untimely death.
In September 2024, a pregnant Madeline gave a moving eulogy to her husband at a memorial service for her late husband.
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“This last week has felt like I’ve been trapped in a nightmare I can’t wake up from,” Madeline said. “I feel numb, angry, sad, blessed all at once. Some days, the thought of this new reality is debilitating, but mostly I just miss Matt.”
Madeline tearfully said she knows “Matt will surround his son for the rest of his life.” She added, “I’m so thankful God gave us a child, a little Matty, to run around for life, to carry on his legacy. Tripp will know how much his father loved him, and I promise to do all the things with him we talked about.”
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At the end of the emotional tribute, Madeline encouraged people not to drink and drive. “Call a ride. Please do not put another family through this torture,” she urged.
Matthew’s brother, Johnny, was also expecting his third child when he died. His widow, Meredith, celebrated her baby shower on Sunday, February 2.
