Driver charged in NHL’s Johnny Gaudreau and brother’s death had .087 BAC

In a tragic incident in South Jersey, two brothers, NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his sibling Matthew, 29, lost their lives while cycling on August 29. They were just a day away from attending their sister Katie’s wedding as groomsmen. The driver charged in connection with their deaths, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, has been reported to have a blood-alcohol content of .087, which exceeds New Jersey’s legal limit of .08.

Higgins, a resident of nearby Woodstown, faces multiple charges including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and the possession of an open alcoholic container in his vehicle. During a virtual court session, prosecutors highlighted Higgins’ alleged history of aggressive driving and road rage, prompting a judge to order that he remain in custody as the case moves forward.

After his arrest, Higgins spoke with his wife from jail, during which she expressed her frustration with his reckless behavior. According to First Assistant Prosecutor Jonathan Flynn, she reportedly told him, “You were probably driving like a nut like I always tell you you do.”

The defense characterized Higgins as a family man and a previously law-abiding citizen, emphasizing that he made a poor choice that night. Defense attorney Matthew Portella described him as a loving father to two daughters, claiming that he is generally a decent individual who made a significant error in judgment.

Under police questioning, Higgins admitted to consuming five to six beers on the day of the incident and acknowledged drinking while driving. The criminal complaint states he failed a field sobriety test, which was administered following the crash. Prosecutors noted that Higgins had been drinking at home after a work call around 3 p.m. and had a distressing conversation with his mother, contributing to his state that evening.

After working from home, he reportedly engaged in a two-hour phone call while driving his Jeep, even with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. His driving behavior included aggressive tailgating behind another car, which was traveling slightly above the posted speed limit of 50 mph, as per statements made by the other driver involved.

As the vehicle in front of Higgins slowed down to navigate around the cyclists, he accelerated and veered right, striking both Gaudreaus. Superior Court Judge Michael J. Silvanio remarked on the case, asserting that Higgins’ admitted impatience was a factor in resulting in the deaths of two individuals.

If convicted, Higgins faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a potential penalty that the judge cited as a factor in deeming him a flight risk. Higgins’ lawyers noted that he holds a master’s degree and works in finance at a company related to addiction treatment. Additionally, they mentioned his service in combat in Iraq. However, it has been suggested that he had been struggling with regular alcohol consumption since beginning to work from home.

Johnny Gaudreau, often referred to as “Johnny Hockey,” had a successful NHL career, spanning ten seasons. He was preparing for his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, having recently signed a lucrative seven-year contract worth $68 million in 2022. Prior to that, he played eight seasons with the Calgary Flames, establishing himself as one of the league’s top players and earning a devoted fanbase across North America.

During a heart-wrenching double funeral on Monday, widows Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau shared their grief, describing the deep bond their husbands shared throughout their lives. Both women are expecting children, which added additional layers of sorrow to their loss. Madeline Gaudreau made an emotional plea, urging people to avoid drinking and driving. “Call a ride. Please do not put another family through this torture,” she implored. “The loss of Matty and John will leave a hole in the family, with his close friends, the community for eternity.”

The defense, seeking bail, proposed the idea of restricting Higgins from driving except with the installation of a device to prevent drinking and driving. They pointed out that he tested slightly over the legal limit and suggested that a recent knee surgery might have negatively affected his performance in the field sobriety test. However, Flynn countered, asserting that even a locking device would not address the core issue of Higgins’ aggressive driving behavior, which was exacerbated by alcohol consumption that fateful night.