SALEM, N.J. (AP) — The family of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew faced intense emotional distress as lawyers argued in court regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident that claimed their lives. The brothers were cycling at night when they were struck by Sean Higgins, a driver believed to be under the influence and in a fit of rage. The case revolves around whether the brothers' drinking played a role in their deaths, particularly since both had blood-alcohol levels exceeding New Jersey's legal limit of .08.
After nearly two hours of arguments in the courtroom, Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio ruled that the issue of contributory negligence was moot under New Jersey criminal law. This ruling upheld all charges against Higgins, including manslaughter and vehicular homicide, clarifying that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that the cyclists contributed to their own deaths due to their alcohol levels.
The defense argued that the Gaudreaus had blood-alcohol concentrations of .129 or above, which is significantly higher than the legal limit. They also highlighted that Higgins had been recorded with a blood-alcohol content of .087 at the time of the incident. However, prosecutors countered this by stating that eyewitnesses observed the brothers cycling safely on the edge of the road, indicating they were not weaving in and out of traffic as suggested by the defense.
Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mestern stressed that the testimony of four witnesses clearly indicated that Higgins was driving recklessly, speeding, and illegally passing another vehicle before colliding with the Gaudreau brothers. He emphasized that the cyclists were riding single file, abiding by traffic rules, just prior to the collision. The tragic event occurred on August 29, just before their sister's wedding, adding an emotional layer to this already heartbreaking case.
Both Johnny Gaudreau—popularly known as "Johnny Hockey"—and Matthew Gaudreau were well-respected in the hockey community. Johnny was preparing for his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after a notable eight-season tenure with the Calgary Flames, while Matthew had been coaching at a high school after a competitive career playing at Boston College. Following the incident, both of their wives have given birth, with Johnny Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, welcoming their third child on April 1.
Sean Higgins, a 44-year-old combat veteran from Woodstown, N.J., has been charged with two counts each of reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter, along with charges of evidence tampering and leaving the scene of an accident. Following the collision, he was discovered next to his vehicle about a quarter-mile from where the accident occurred. During police investigations, Higgins disclosed he had consumed approximately half a dozen beers earlier in the day, some even while driving, after receiving distressing news from his mother.
While Higgins’ attorneys acknowledged the Gaudreaus were cycling without lights at night, they clarified that their defense strategy was not aimed at casting blame on the deceased but rather ensuring their client received a fair trial. Attorney Matthew Portella articulated that both he and his colleague were not implying any fault on behalf of the brothers during their defense, stating such an assertion would be "ridiculous" and "wrong." They suggested that the grand jury may not have considered all pertinent facts before their indictment.
Despite the defense's arguments, Prosecutor Mestern stood firm on the soundness of the indictment, and the judge agreed, moving the case forward to trial, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for June 10. Higgins now faces a maximum prison sentence of 70 years if convicted on all counts. Interestingly, his legal team has already turned down a plea deal offering a reduced sentence of 35 years, indicating they may feel confident in their defense strategy as they prepare for trial.
