Madeline Gaudreau Urges Respect for Charlie Kirk’s Family After Tragedy
The tragic shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has prompted a heartfelt plea from Madeline Gaudreau, the wife of Matthew Gaudreau, who was killed in a separate incident just months earlier. In an emotional message shared on her Instagram Story on September 11, 2024, Madeline requested that the public exercise compassion and respect for Kirk’s family as they navigate this devastating loss.
“As a mom walking alongside grief…while navigating the aftermath of what has happened to my husband and brother-in-law, my #1 priority is ensuring I fight to keep sensitive information off the Internet to protect my son – my nieces and nephews,” she wrote. Madeline urged her followers not to reshare or comment on anything that could further harm Charlie’s family and friends.
Matthew Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, professional hockey player Johnny Gaudreau, 29, were tragically killed in August 2024 when an alleged drunk driver struck them while they were riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Following this tragedy, Madeline welcomed their son, Tripp, four months later. Johnny and his wife, Meredith, had two children together: daughter Noa, born in 2022, and son Johnny Jr., born in 2024. Meredith gave birth to their third child, son Carter, eight months after Johnny’s death.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2024. He leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children, a 3-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son. In the wake of his death, graphic videos of the incident circulated on social media, prompting further distress for those close to him.
“My heart aches for this family 🤍,” Madeline added in her post, including a touching photo of Kirk with Erika and their children.
The organization Turning Point USA, which Kirk founded, expressed its sorrow on social media, stating, “Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk. All of us have lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children. Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father. Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered.”
Statements of support for Kirk’s family have also poured in from political leaders across the spectrum. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences via Truth Social, stating, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.” Trump extended his sympathies to Erika and their family, emphasizing the profound impact Kirk had on many.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of these two tragedies, Madeline’s call for respect and privacy serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind headlines. The Gaudreau and Kirk families, both facing unimaginable loss, highlight the importance of compassion in times of grief.
