The Fatal Incident: NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Matthew’s Untimely Demise

News about the devastating accident that claimed the lives of NHL hockey sensation Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, continues to reverberate. The brothers were fatally struck by a motorist while biking along a country lane. Investigations revealed that the driver, Sean M. Higgins, had a blood alcohol concentration of .087%, surpassing New Jersey’s legal limit of .08%, as unveiled by the prosecution.

The Tragic Day in Carneys Point, New Jersey

The Gaudreau siblings, aged 31 and 29 respectively, tragically lost their lives in Carneys Point, New Jersey, on the eve of August 29. The incident occurred just a day before they were to appear as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.

Driver Faces Severe Charges

Sean M. Higgins, a 43-year-old resident of Woodstown, New Jersey, is facing two counts of vehicular homicide, in addition to charges of reckless driving, possession of an open container, and drinking alcohol while operating a vehicle. Despite the defense attorneys arguing that Higgins was a married, law-abiding father prior to the incident, the judge ruled that he should face trial.

“He is a compassionate individual, a loving father of two daughters,” Matthew Portella, Higgins’ defense attorney, argued in court. “He is a good man who made a terrible choice that night.”

Details of the Incident and Higgins’ History

As per the criminal charges, Higgins confessed to the police that he had consumed five or six beers that day and even admitted to drinking while driving. He also failed a field sobriety test. Prosecutors stated that Higgins had been drinking at home after concluding a work call and a distressing family-related conversation.

Higgins also had a record of road rage incidents and reckless driving, according to Jonathan Flynn, the First Assistant Prosecutor of Salem County. Flynn stated that Higgins seemingly lost his patience when the two drivers in front of him slowed down to circumvent the cyclists, leading him to accelerate and attempt to overtake the other vehicles on the right, which resulted in him hitting the Gaudreaus.

“He claimed he didn’t even notice them,” Superior Court Judge Michael J. Silvanio commented, attributing the fatal accident to Higgins’ admitted impatience. Higgins could face up to 20 years in prison, a fact that the judge stated makes him a flight risk.

Johnny Gaudreau’s Legacy

Johnny Gaudreau, fondly known as “Johnny Hockey,” had a spectacular 10-year career in the NHL and was preparing for his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after signing a whopping $68 million deal for seven years in 2022. He spent his initial eight seasons with the Calgary Flames, earning a reputation as one of the sport’s leading figures and winning hearts across North America.

The widows of the Gaudreau brothers, Meredith and Madeline, shared touching eulogies during the double funeral, describing their husbands as inseparable throughout their lives. Both women, who are expecting, have been left to mourn their unexpected loss.