GoFundMe account created to benefit widow, unborn child of Matthew Gaudreau

A fundraiser set up to support the widow and unborn child of Matthew Gaudreau, the brother of former Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau , has raised nearly $600,000, as of Wednesday evening.

The GoFundMe stated an original goal of $30,000, but is currently at $594,238, through the generosity of the nearly 8,200 individual donations. Matthew's widow, Madeline, is pregnant and expecting the pair's first child, according to the Associated Press . The GoFundMe states the child's name as Tripp and says all donations will be transferred directly to Madeline. Holland Korbitz, who is Madeline's sister per the AP, organized the GoFundMe.

Matthew, 29, and Johnny, 31, were both killed while biking last week in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Sean Higgins, 43, was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol. State police said it charged Higgins, from Woodstown, New Jersey, with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection to the brothers' death.

Johnny was the Blue Jackets’ top forward after signing in July 2022 as an unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were in town because they planned to be groomsmen at their sister Katie Gaudreau's wedding Friday in Philadelphia, according to their sister's wedding website. Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny's wife, was scheduled to be the maid of honor. According to Katie Gaudreau's Instagram account, a rehearsal for the wedding was held Thursday evening – hours before the brothers' death.

One of the top donations to the fundraiser came from Cliff Rucker, who owns the Worcester Railers HC franchise – part of the East Coast Hockey League, a minor professional hockey league – that Matthew briefly played for. Rucker is one of the three highest donations at $10,000.

"Maddy, The entire Railers HC family stands shoulder to shoulder with you during this incomprehensibly difficult time for you and your loved ones," Rucker wrote in a message in the comments section. "You and Matty will always be part of our Railer family, and I hope you can feel the love and support we are sending your way."

Another potential sports link to the fundraiser may be from golfer Brooks Koepka, a noted NHL fan. Another $10,000 donation is attributed to the "Koepka Family."

Alisa Panarin, the wife of New York Rangers left winger Artemi Panarin, is listed as giving a donation of $3,000.

Contributing: Carrie McDonald

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GoFundMe account created to benefit widow, unborn child of Matthew Gaudreau