Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s uncle warmly welcomes his nephews during the “final farewell”

PHILADELPHIA – Jim Gaudreau, the uncle of NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau has a message for those who sent their love and support to the Gaudreau family after the death of his two nephews in a collision last week.

The community continues to mourn the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau and their uncle Jim posted a lengthy message on Facebook expressing his gratitude for the support the family has received.

The Facebook post says:

“As we embark on the journey to John and Matty’s final resting place, we are greatly comforted by all who have visited these growing memorials and left messages of love, prayers, thoughts of kindness, and jerseys, skates, sticks, pucks, flowers, candles, and so many other tokens of remembrance. We are comforted by the memorials on your doorsteps, in your yards, and on your cars. We have heard and seen the countless moments of silence and heartfelt messages from so many professional athletes, organizations, and other sports leagues, from each individual in private, and the heartfelt messages from broadcasts, media, and each of you, and the spontaneous acts of kindness and compassion from complete strangers. The endless stream of food, flowers, friends, and family on our doorsteps. And, by all the acts of kindness and compassion that we are not even aware of.”

The uncle then comments on the strength the family is showing during this difficult time, saying that they are “Gaudreau Strong!”

“We have been brought to our knees, but this process has reminded us that we have been blessed by all that everyone has done for us through John and Matty’s lives. We are growing stronger and WE will rise again. We are Gaudreau Strong! We hear you, we see you, we thank you, we are so grateful and humbled by it all. We are blessed by each and every one of you and your acts of kindness, kindness and compassion. You are our family! We are Gaudreau Strong!” the message continued.

Jim then ends the message with a note about his nephews and a special request to fans and loved ones.

“As we begin this final farewell, we are encouraged by the examples of kindness, care and sincerity that John and Matty have been to this world and that are passed on to us by each of you in every act of remembrance and kindness. Please continue to pray for us. John and Matty… Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hands,” the message concluded.

On Labor Day, Katie Gaudreau, sister of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, spoke out for the first time since the tragic deaths of her brothers.

Katie, who was due to marry the day after their deaths, shared a tribute on Instagram on Monday.

A memorial for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau continues to grow at Washington Township’s Hollydell Ice Arena, including a sea of ​​hockey sticks, flowers, purple Gatorade and bowling pins.

Staff say Gaudreau’s parents stopped by for several hours Sunday.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Matthew’s widow, Madeline, before the birth of the couple’s first child, whom they named Tripp.