Driver charged in crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, his brother

A grand jury has indicted a man accused of being drunk when he hit and killed hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother as the men rode their bicycles along a rural New Jersey road in August.

Sean M. Higgins, 44, of Pilesgrove Township, was charged Wednesday with two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree reckless homicide, second-degree desertion at the scene of a fatal accident and fourth-degree tampering. physical evidence in the deaths of Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew R. Gaudreau, 29.

An attorney for Higgins, Richard F. Klineburger III, declined to comment on the indictment Wednesday afternoon, saying he was still awaiting additional evidence in the case.

“It would be unfair to both Mr. Higgins and the general public to make a statement until a full assessment and analysis is complete,” Klineburger said in an email. “We will provide additional information and statements in the future as appropriate. For now, we ask that the public and the media respect our efforts to ensure a fair and impartial trial.”

Prosecutors say Higgins was driving north on Route 551/Pennsville-Auburn Road in Oldmans Township in Salem County when he tried to pass vehicles in front of him on the evening of Aug. 29.

He attempted to illegally pass an SUV on the right side and struck Gaudreau as they drove on the shoulder of the roadway, according to investigators.

Higgins failed a field sobriety test and was arrested on the spot, authorities said.

He was also issued citations for driving while intoxicated, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, improper passing, reckless driving and unsafe lane change.

New Jersey State Police released body camera footage last week showing field sobriety tests and Higgins’ arrest at the scene, and Salem County officials released 911 audio with other drivers trying to get help for the victims.

Higgins’ blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.087% on the day of the accident, above the legal limit of 0.08%.

The drivers of the two vehicles Higgins passed before the fatal crash described his driving as erratic and aggressive, authorities said. One said his vehicle was partially on the grass when it hit the Gaudreaus, authorities said.

Higgins admitted to drinking five or six beers after finishing work the afternoon of the crash and had two beers while driving in the two hours before the crash, according to prosecutors.

He also admitted to trying to hide cans of beer after hitting Gaudreau, prosecutors said.

His vehicle sustained “significant damage” when it struck the Gaudreaus and became inoperable about 1/10 of a mile down the road, the prosecutor’s office said.

The drivers of the other two vehicles stopped, called 911 and attempted to help the victims. The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.

A passing motorist told investigators that Higgins appeared to be “freaking out” after the crash, according to a report filed with court documents.

Higgins, a major in the New Jersey Army National Guard who works for a Pennsylvania-based substance abuse treatment network, remains incarcerated pending the outcome of his case.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau grew up in Salem County, and their parents live a few miles from where the accident happened. The brothers were in town to serve as hermits at their sister’s wedding the next day.

Johnny Gaudreau was a winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets and previously played for the Calgary Flames, while Matthew transitioned from playing professional hockey to coaching hockey at Gloucester Catholic High School.

A post-arraignment hearing for Higgins is scheduled for Jan. 7.