Heartbreaking News: NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Fatally Involved in South Jersey Road Rage Incident

Tuesday, November 12th, 2024

Sean Higgins, the suspect linked to the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in Salem, New Jersey, recently attended a brief court hearing. Prosecutors were given a 30-day extension to pursue an indictment.

This marked Higgins’ first in-person encounter with the Gaudreau family. Authorities claim he was driving under the influence after drinking several beers and had past instances of aggressive driving.

The fatal incident occurred near the Gaudreaus' childhood home on August 29th, when Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, lost their lives. Higgins reported driving for two hours following a distressing talk with his mother.

A witness observed Higgins driving aggressively before he hit the cyclists. His blood alcohol content was 0.087, surpassing the legal limit. The charges against him include death by auto, reckless driving, and unlawful alcohol possession.

Due to the gravity of his possible sentence, possibly up to 20 years, Higgins remains in jail. His lawyer, Matthew Portella, characterized him as a good person who made a tragic error.

Johnny Gaudreau, nicknamed "Johnny Hockey," had a 10-season career in the NHL and was set to join the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was formerly with the Calgary Flames.

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