More than 2,000 runners and supporters came together in May to honor NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s late brothers and fund an inclusive playground in their name.
Why it matters
The Gaudreau Family 5K, held in Gloucester County, N.J., wasn’t just another charity run. It was born out of grief and transformed into action. In less than a year since losing John and Matthew Gaudreau to a suspected drunk driver, their family and community have raised over $500,000 to build a fully accessible playground at a local special education school.
What’s happening
- The inaugural Gaudreau Family 5K took place in May at Washington Lake Park, not far from where the brothers grew up.
- More than 1,100 runners and walkers participated in person, with another 1,100 joining virtually from across the United States, Canada, and abroad.
- A sports memorabilia auction and online donations helped push fundraising over the $500,000 mark.
- All proceeds are going toward a new inclusive playground at Archbishop Damiano School in Westville, where the Gaudreau family has deep ties.
The backstory
- John Gaudreau, 31, a seven-time NHL All-Star, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, a former pro and high school coach, were killed in August 2023 while biking the night before their sister’s wedding.
- Their deaths sent shockwaves through the hockey world and their hometown of Carneys Point, N.J.
- The playground project had been in slow development since 2020 but accelerated following the brothers’ passing.
- The school has long been connected to the Gaudreaus: their mother and sister both work there, and their late grandmother worked there for 44 years.
What’s next
- The playground will feature inclusive elements like ramps and transfer platforms, built to serve the school’s 135 students with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.
- Groundbreaking is scheduled for early September, with a community build day planned for Oct. 4.
- The next Gaudreau Family 5K is already in the works for May 16, 2026.
The bigger picture
This wasn’t just about honoring the past. It’s about building something lasting. In the year since the crash, both brothers’ families have welcomed new babies, adding a new layer of meaning to the legacy they’re creating.
“It was just such an outpouring of love and care,” said Jane Gaudreau, the brothers’ mother. “Everyone just wanted to do whatever they could to keep John and Matty’s legacy alive.”
Meanwhile, the legal case continues. The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was indicted in December on multiple charges and has pleaded not guilty. His next court appearance is set for Aug. 21.
