September 14th 2024.
Last month, a tragic incident occurred in southern New Jersey that claimed the lives of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. They were out for a bike ride when they were fatally struck by a man who was driving under the influence. This man, identified as Sean Higgins, had a blood alcohol level of 0.087 at the time of the crash, which is above the legal limit. The prosecutors shared this information during a hearing yesterday.
Higgins, 43, is facing two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide and could potentially face up to 20 years in prison for his actions. The Gaudreau brothers were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister's wedding later that day, but instead, their family was left grieving their unexpected loss.
During the virtual detention hearing, the prosecutors argued that Higgins should remain in jail due to a history of road rage and aggressive driving. They also shared new details about the moments leading up to the crash, including the fact that Higgins was allegedly driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee with an open container of alcohol.
According to the Salem County First Assistant Prosecutor Jonathan Flynn, Higgins had been drinking since finishing work at 3 pm and had an upsetting conversation with his mother before getting into his car. He then had a two-hour long phone call with a friend while driving with an open container, which is a dangerous and illegal act.
Flynn also shared the accounts of two witnesses who were on the road at the time of the crash. They described how Higgins was driving aggressively behind a sedan that was slightly above the speed limit. The sedan was following an SUV, and the Gaudreau brothers were riding their bikes behind them.
One of the witnesses stated that Higgins was approaching them at a high speed, then falling back, and then approaching again at a high speed. The other witness mentioned that Higgins tried to pass the sedan as the SUV moved into the next lane. This caused a dangerous situation, leading to the fatal crash.
During the hearing, Higgins' wife also made a phone call to him from jail after his arrest. She expressed her frustration, stating that she had warned him numerous times about his reckless driving. This call was recorded and played in court, adding to the prosecution's argument that Higgins should not be released from jail.
Defense attorney Matthew Portella described Higgins as a good person who made a horrible decision that night. He also mentioned that his client had recently undergone knee surgery, which could have impacted the results of his field sobriety test.
However, the Salem County Judge Michael Silvanio ordered that Higgins be held for trial, citing concerns about his driving and noting that his impatience caused the two deaths. He stated that there was an abundance of evidence that Higgins not only operated his vehicle while impaired but did so in an aggressive and overly aggressive manner. Silvanio also mentioned that the state's case appeared strong, with witness statements and the defendant's own admissions.
Higgins had admitted to consuming five to six beers before the crash, according to a probable cause affidavit filed with the Salem County Superior Court. Judge Silvanio also ruled that Higgins was at a higher risk of failing to appear in court due to the potential 20-year prison sentence he could face. His next court date is set for October 15th.
The Gaudreau brothers were remembered at a joint memorial service held on Monday at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania. It was an emotional ceremony where their loved ones and members of the community came together to honor their lives and mourn their loss.
During the service, Matthew Gaudreau's widow, Madeline, tearfully expressed her feelings, stating that she felt trapped in a nightmare and couldn't wake up from it. She described feeling a mix of emotions, including numbness, anger, sadness, and also a sense of being blessed to have had Matthew in her life. Madeline is currently pregnant with their first child.
Johnny Gaudreau's widow, Meredith, also shared some heart-wrenching news during her eulogy. She revealed that she was nine weeks pregnant with their third child. In less than three years of marriage, they had created a family of five, which to her, felt like the ultimate blessing.
The tragic loss of the Gaudreau brothers has left a void in the hearts of their loved ones and the community. Their lives were cut short due to the reckless actions of one individual, and their memories will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved them.
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