A New Jersey man who is accused of being drunk when he hit and killed hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother while they were riding bikes along a rural road in August has been indicted by a grand jury.
In the deaths of Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew R. Gaudreau, 29, Sean M. Higgins, 44, of Pilesgrove Township, was charged on Wednesday with two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence.
Richard F. Klineburger III, Higgins’ attorney, declined to comment on the charge Wednesday afternoon, stating that more evidence is still needed in the case.
In an email, Klineburger stated that it would be unjust to Mr. Higgins and the public at large to make a statement before a thorough assessment and study was finished. As needed, we will make more declarations and provide more information in the future. For the time being, we kindly request that the public and media honor our efforts to provide an impartial and equitable procedure.
On August 29, Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau were killed after they were hit while riding bicycles down a road in Salem County.(Photos in the File)
According to the prosecution, on the evening of August 29, Higgins attempted to pass cars in front of him while traveling north on Route 551/Pennsville-Auburn Road in Oldmans Township, Salem County.
Investigators say he struck the Gaudreaus while they were riding on the shoulder of the road after attempting to unlawfully pass an SUV on the right side.
According to investigators, Higgins was arrested at the scene after failing a field sobriety test.
Additionally, he received fines for driving under the influence, consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle, having an open alcohol container in a vehicle, passing improperly, driving recklessly, and changing lanes unsafely.
Last week, Salem County officials released 911 audio of other drivers attempting to get assistance for the victims, and New Jersey State Police released body camera footage of the sobriety tests and Higgins’ arrest at the site.
On the day of the collision, Higgins’ blood alcohol content was 0.087%, which was more than the permitted limit of 0.08%.
According to investigators, Higgins’ driving was described as aggressive and unpredictable by the drivers of the two cars he passed prior to the tragic collision. According to officials, one claimed that when he hit the Gaudreaus, his car was partially on the grass.
Prosecutors claim that Higgins admitted to having five or six drinks after wrapping up his work the afternoon of the collision and two beers during the two hours before the collision while driving.
Prosecutors claimed he also acknowledged attempting to conceal beer cans after striking the Gaudreaus.
About a tenth of a mile down the road, his car was rendered unusable due to severe damage inflicted when he struck the Gaudreaus, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The other two cars’ drivers pulled over, dialed 911, and made an effort to assist the victims. At the scene, the brothers were declared dead.
According to an account included with court documents, a passing driver told authorities that Higgins seemed to be freaking out following the collision.
While his case is still pending, Higgins, a major in the New Jersey Army National Guard who works for a Pennsylvania-based substance misuse treatment network, is still in jail.
The parents of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau reside a few miles from the scene of the collision, and both were raised in Salem County. The next day, the brothers were in town to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, cars drive past the roadside memorial for brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in Oldmans, New Jersey. On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the brothers were slain while riding their bicycles.For NJ Advance, Dave Hernandez
Matthew left professional hockey to become a hockey coach at Gloucester Catholic High School, his alma mater, while Johnny Gaudreau was a winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets and formerly played for the Calgary Flames.
Higgins’ post-indictment arraignment hearing is set for January 7.
You can contact Matt Gray at [email protected].
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