In a somber courtroom in Salem, New Jersey, the grieving family of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew came face-to-face with the man charged in their tragic deaths for the first time. Sean M. Higgins, 44, briefly appeared before a judge who granted prosecutors an additional 30 days to seek a formal indictment in the devastating cycling accident that claimed the lives of the promising Gaudreau brothers on August 29th.
The heart-wrenching scene unfolded at the Salem County Courthouse, where emotions ran high as the Gaudreau family, including father Gus Gaudreau, struggled to contain their grief. Authorities allege that Higgins, a resident of Woodstown, was impaired after consuming five or six beers on the day he struck the Gaudreau brothers’ bicycles with his vehicle. The incident occurred near the siblings’ childhood home in South Jersey, just one day before their sister’s wedding.
A Tragic Loss for the Hockey World
The untimely deaths of Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, sent shockwaves through the hockey community. Known affectionately as “Johnny Hockey,” Johnny Gaudreau was a beloved figure who had just completed his tenth full season in the NHL. He spent his first eight years with the Calgary Flames before embarking on his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. His immense talent and infectious personality made him a fan favorite both on and off the ice.
Matthew Gaudreau, while not a professional hockey player himself, shared a deep bond with his brother and was known for his unwavering support of Johnny’s career. The brothers were inseparable, often spending time together during the off-season in their hometown of Carneys Point, New Jersey.
Impaired Driving and a History of Aggression
As details emerge about the tragic incident, authorities paint a troubling picture of Higgins’ actions leading up to the fatal collision. According to police reports, Higgins had been driving erratically for approximately two hours while engaged in a phone conversation with a friend, following an upsetting exchange with his mother. Witnesses describe Higgins’ vehicle speeding up and veering into the Gaudreau brothers as they cycled along the rural road, even as other drivers slowed down and moved to avoid the cyclists.
Blood tests revealed that Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of .087, surpassing the state’s legal limit of .08. He also failed a field sobriety test at the scene. Investigators note that Higgins has a history of aggressive driving and road rage incidents, further compounding the tragedy.
A Long Road Ahead
As the legal proceedings unfold, Higgins faces preliminary charges of two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a vehicle. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The judge deemed Higgins a flight risk and ordered him to remain jailed until the trial.
“[Higgins] made a horrible decision that night.”
Defense lawyer Matthew Portella
As the Gaudreau family begins the arduous journey of seeking justice for their beloved sons and brothers, the hockey world rallies around them in support. Johnny Gaudreau’s former teams, the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, issued heartfelt statements expressing their condolences and honoring the legacy of a player who touched the lives of so many.
The tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired and reckless driving. As the legal case progresses, the hockey community and the Gaudreau family hope that their story will inspire others to make responsible choices behind the wheel and to cherish the precious bonds of family and friendship.
While nothing can bring back the vibrant lives cut short on that fateful August day, the outpouring of love and support from fans, teammates, and the entire hockey world stands as a testament to the indelible mark the Gaudreau brothers left on all those who knew them. As the family braces for the long road ahead, they find solace in the knowledge that Johnny and Matthew’s spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of the sport they loved so deeply.
