Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau
Richard T. Gagnon/Getty ImagesNew Jersey man accused of killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau His brother, Matthew Goudreau, faces additional charges after the fatal crash in August 2024.
Sean M. Higgins faces a slew of felony charges, including aggravated manslaughter, which were presented by a grand jury on Wednesday, December 10, Columbus Dispatch I mentioned. Higgins, 44, already faces two counts of vehicular homicide.
The brothers were beaten Killed while riding In Oldman's Township, New Jersey, on the evening of Thursday, August 29 – the night before their sister's wedding. Johnny was 31 years old, while Matthew was 29 years old. Johnny survived Meredith's wife Their two children, daughter Noah and son Johnny. For his part, his wife Madeleine, who is pregnant with his child, remembers Matthew Their first child.
Johnny and Matthew return to their hometown to be their sister's companions Katie GaudreauWedding.
Katie wrote via Instagram on Monday, September 2, alongside A.J Slideshow of family photos Over the years. “There are absolutely no words to express the bond my family shares. The whole world knows there would never have been a John without Matty or a Matty without John. The absolute best big brothers a little girl could ask for. This will never be a farewell letter Because I will never stop mentioning your names and honoring you. I will take care of my mother, my father, Christine, Mer, Madeleine and your children with the best care.
Us Weekly He confirmed that the men were He was hit by a drunk driver who were subsequently charged in their deaths. Higgins, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was taken into custody the night of the crash and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.
Keep scrolling to know all about the Goudreau brothers' case:
Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau pose with Christian Carto.
Courtesy of Matthew Gaudreau/InstagramWhat happened to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?
According to New Jersey police, Higgins was driving behind two vehicles when he “attempted to pass the slower-moving sedan and SUV.” After passing the sedan through the “southbound travel lanes,” Higgins “attempted to re-enter the northbound travel lanes when the SUV in front of Higgins moved into the middle of the road, splitting the north and south lanes to pass the road safely. Two (cyclists) traveling north on Right side of the road.”
However, when Higgins attempted to overtake the four-wheel drive vehicle on the right, he struck Johnny and Matthew “in the back” and caused them to suffer “fatal injuries”.
Police reported that Higgins showed signs of intoxication, and admitted to drinking “five to six beers” before the accident, per TMZ. Higgins underwent field sobriety tests at the scene and failed all of them.
He was booked and had his picture taken. Higgins was placed in custody at the Salem County Correctional Facility on two counts of vehicular homicide. In December 2024, Higgins faced additional criminal charges brought by a grand jury, including manslaughter. According to New Jersey's criminal law, aggravated manslaughter — a crime of the first degree — occurs when a defendant “recklessly causes death under circumstances that demonstrate extreme indifference to human life.”
Is the case still open?
According to New Jersey police, the incident remains an “active investigation.”
Who is Sean M. Higgins?
Local news station Fox 29 Philadelphia Higgins is a field artillery officer in the Army National Guard, it said. He was not on duty at the time of the accident. In addition to his military background, Higgins also worked at a rehabilitation facility called Gaudenzia. The organization announced that Higgins is currently on leave following the incident.
Did Sean M. Higgins appear in court?
The day after the incident, Higgins appeared in court virtually, according to an ABC affiliate WSYX. Judge Michael J. Silvanio shared that Higgins' detention hearing was scheduled for Thursday, September 5. The judge also stated that both counts of vehicular homicide could be “punishable by a maximum of 10 years” in state prison.
He appeared before the judge on September 5, but the proceedings were postponed until September 13. According to TMZ. Higgins is scheduled to appear in court on January 7 for arraignment after being charged. Until then, he will remain in detention.
