Tragic Loss: Man Accused of Killing NHL Star Gaudreau and Brother Faces Court!
The man accused of causing the tragic crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau in Salem County earlier this year appeared in court on Tuesday.
Sean Higgins, the 43-year-old defendant, stood in handcuffs as he faced a brief hearing before Judge Michael Silvanio. His family and the Gaudreau family were present in the courtroom gallery.
The court session was short, lasting only a few minutes, with no plea deal offered to Higgins.
The prosecution was granted a 30-day extension to manage evidence related to the case, allowing them additional time to gather and organize necessary details. Following the hearing, Higgins returned to his jail cell.
The tragic event unfolded on August 29 in Oldman’s Township, where Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were in town for their sister’s wedding scheduled for the next day.
The brothers had been riding bicycles through a rural area in Salem County along a two-lane road surrounded by farmland. It was here that the crash occurred, leaving a profound impact on their family, friends, and the hockey community.
According to police reports, the incident took place around 8 p.m. Higgins was allegedly driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee and passed another car on the right, reportedly hitting the Gaudreau brothers from behind.
Authorities have reported that Higgins had a Blood Alcohol Level of .087, slightly over the legal limit, and he now faces multiple charges, including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and possession of an open alcohol container.
The criminal complaint also stated that Higgins admitted to investigators that he had consumed five or six beers before getting behind the wheel. It was also reported that he continued drinking while driving, further increasing the risk to himself and others on the road.
At the crash site, a memorial honours the Gaudreau brothers, reflecting their legacy within the community and their impact on those who knew them.
The memorial includes hockey sticks and a banner from Gloucester Catholic, the high school both attended. Additionally, two white bicycles stand along the road as symbols of remembrance for the Gaudreau brothers.
Johnny Gaudreau was well-known for his 10-season NHL career, playing for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
The news of his and his brother’s deaths has deeply saddened fans and the broader hockey community, who remember Johnny not only as a talented athlete but as a dedicated family member.
Since the crash, it has also been revealed that the wives of both Johnny and Matthew are expecting children, adding an even more heartbreaking layer to the tragedy.
This devastating event has left the families and communities mourning, with ongoing support as they seek justice for Johnny and Matthew.