on August 29th 2024 a tragic accident in New Jersey claimed the lives of professional hockey players Matthew and Johnny gdo the two brothers were fatally struck by a driver suspected to be under the influence leaving their family and fans in shock and mourning Matthew godo's wife meline is expecting their first child a poignant reminder of the future the couple had been looking forward to a baby registry under their names reveals that the couple's baby is due on December 31st 2024 this joyful news was visible in a group photo from Katie God's Bachelorette weekend shared on August 4th where meline can be seen with a baby bump adding a layer of Heartache to the loss in the wake of this devastating event a GoFundMe page was created to support meline and their unborn child who will be named trip the page set up on August 30th reads we are heartbroken to share the devastating news that the godo family has experienced a tragic and unfathomable loss on August 29th 2024 a car accident took the lives of Matthew and his brother John in this unimaginably difficult time we are coming together to support Matthew's wife meline and their growing baby trip and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face your support will allow them the time to take off work to grieve and heal as a family the god to family is mourning the loss of two fathers according to a statement provided by the brother's Uncle Jim godo the statement shared with WBZ TV reporter Dan Roos reads last night we lost two husbands two fathers two sons Two Brothers two sons and brothers in-law two nephews two cousins two family members two team teates two friends but truly two amazing humans we want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers we ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief the tragedy has also impacted the family of Jimmy Hayes a hockey star who passed away in 2021 the Widow of Hayes has publicly reacted to the deaths of Johnny and Matthew godo expressing her condolences and grief the fatal accident occurred around 8:00 p.m. when the godo brothers were struck by a vehicle driven by Sha M Higgins who was arrested and charged with two counts of death by Otto the brothers who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets were in New Jersey preparing for their sister's wedding schedule for August 30th the wedding where both brothers were set to serve as groomsmen has been canceled due to the tragedy in response to the devastating news the Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement expressing their shock and sorrow the team said we are shocked and devastated by the tragic news we will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy at this time we ask for prayers for the godo family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve as the godo family navigates this unimaginable loss the support from Friends fans in the community has been a source of Solace providing both financial aid and emotional Comfort during this profoundly difficult time