Matthew Gaudreau’s wife Madeline Gaudreau etches her love for late husband and son in inked ‘My Boys’ tattoo— A love that lives beyond life

In the quiet moments between grief and healing, some love stories find new ways to speak. For Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of former hockey player Matthew Gaudreau, her message came in ink, a tribute not only to the man she lost but also to the son they brought into the world. Nearly eight months after a devastating accident took Matthew’s life, Madeline is honoring his memory in a way that’s both deeply personal and powerfully symbolic.


On April 12, Madeline shared two new tattoos on Instagram that instantly touched hearts across social media. One design features the initials “MR” and “TM” — Matthew Ryan and Tripp Matthew, their infant son. The second, placed on her forearm, is the number 21, a nod to Matthew’s college hockey jersey with the Boston College Eagles.
“My boys,” she captioned the post, a simple phrase that says everything.
In the comments, she offered more context: “I wanted Matty’s initials to be right next to Tripp’s, as his dad will always be right next to him.” The ink speaks to a bond that even death can’t erase, a reminder that Matthew’s presence will forever surround their son.
The Gaudreau family’s world was shattered in August 2024 when Matthew, 29, and his brother Johnny Gaudreau, 31, were struck and killed in a bike accident caused by an alleged drunk driver in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The man behind the wheel, Sean M. Higgins, was indicted in December on charges including aggravated manslaughter. His trial remains ongoing.
Before his passing, Matthew had transitioned from playing in the minor leagues, most recently with the Worcester Railers to coaching high school hockey at Gloucester Catholic High School. He wasn’t just an athlete; he was a mentor, a husband, and soon-to-be father, all roles he embraced with heart.
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Madeline gave birth to their son, Tripp, just months later in December. She shared a touching photo of herself holding the newborn’s hand with the caption, “Mommy & Daddy’s world.” It marked the beginning of a new chapter shaped by love, legacy, and resilience.
Now, through every glance at her tattoos, Madeline carries both her husband’s spirit and their son's future, a permanent bond, etched in ink, written in love.