Mugshot of alleged drunk driver who killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew in tragic accident released
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew were tragically killed in a bicycle accident on Thursday night after being struck by a drunk driver.
The driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the fatal crash in Salem County, Oldmans Township.
In documents seen by DailyMail.com, Higgins admitted to police that he had consumed “5-6 beers” before getting behind the wheel of his Jeep Grand Cherokee and crashing into the back of Johnny and Matthew on Thursday night.
On Friday, police released a photo of him with glassy eyes after he was charged with two counts of traffic manslaughter without bail or surety posted.
Sean M. Higgins, 43, is accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew after driving under the influence of alcohol
Johnny (right), 31, and Matthew (left), 29, were struck and killed by Higgins’ vehicle while riding bicycles together the night before their sister’s wedding
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were struck and killed by Higgins’ vehicle on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane, according to details from a local news station 6 ABCwhile they were cycling together the night before their sister Katie’s wedding.
The brothers are expected to be Katie’s groomsmen when she marries her partner Devin Joyce on Friday.
Johnny is survived by his wife Meredith, whom he married in September 2021, and two young children: one-year-old daughter Noa and son Johnny, who was born just six months ago.
Meredith is believed to be a bridesmaid at her sister-in-law’s wedding this weekend.
Matthew, meanwhile, leaves behind his wife Madeline, more than three years after their wedding in New Jersey.
Johnny was an NHL veteran who played 11 professional seasons in the league and was set to begin his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets this year.
He played his first nine games with the Calgary Flames, during which time he became one of the best players in the game and a fan favorite across North America.
Matthew was a professional hockey player in the ECHL, most recently playing for the Worcester Railers in the 2021-22 season. He also spent one season with the Reading Royals.