The individual accused of causing the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were riding bicycles on a rural New Jersey road has had their bail request denied.
Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old resident of nearby Woodstown, New Jersey, broke down in tears after the judge ruled that he would remain in jail until his trial, as reported by the New York Post. He attended the court session virtually from a Salem County jail on Friday.
According to a prosecutor, Higgins registered a blood-alcohol level of .087, which is above New Jersey’s legal limit of .08.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, lost their lives in Carneys Point, New Jersey, on August 29, just a day before they were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.
Higgins faces two counts of death by auto, as well as charges of reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. On Friday, the judge decided he should be held until trial after prosecutors highlighted a pattern of alleged road rage and aggressive driving.
When Higgins called his wife from jail following his arrest, she reportedly told him, “You were probably driving like a nut like I always tell you you do. And you don’t listen to me, instead you just yell at me,” according to First Assistant Prosecutor Jonathan Flynn of Salem County.
His defense characterized Higgins as a married father and a law-abiding citizen prior to the incident.
Defense attorney Matthew Portella stated, “He is a compassionate person and a caring father to two daughters. He is a good individual who made a terrible choice that evening.”
According to the criminal complaint, Higgins informed police that he consumed five or six beers that day and acknowledged drinking while driving. He also failed a field sobriety test. A prosecutor mentioned on Friday that he had been drinking at home after finishing a work call around 3 p.m. and following a distressing conversation with his mother regarding a family issue.
Higgins then engaged in a two-hour phone call with a friend while driving his Jeep with an open container, Flynn stated. He was reported to be driving aggressively behind a sedan that was barely exceeding the 50 mph speed limit, at times tailgating, according to the female driver’s account to the police.
As she and the vehicle in front of her slowed down and moved left to navigate around the cyclists, Higgins accelerated and swerved right, colliding with the Gaudreaus, as reported by the two other drivers.
“He stated that he didn’t even notice them,” remarked Superior Court Judge Michael J. Silvanio, who noted that Higgins’ admitted “impatience” led to the two fatalities.
Higgins could face a maximum sentence of 20 years, a situation that the judge indicated makes him a flight risk.
According to his lawyers, Higgins holds a master’s degree, works in finance for an addiction treatment company, and has served in combat in Iraq. However, his wife mentioned that he had been drinking regularly since transitioning to remote work, as stated by Flynn.
Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” played ten full seasons in the NHL and was about to begin his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after signing a seven-year, $68 million contract in 2022. He spent his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames, where he became one of the top players in the sport and a beloved figure throughout North America.
Widows Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau described their husbands as inseparable throughout their lives. Both women are expecting and delivered heartfelt eulogies at the joint funeral on Monday.
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