Woodstock, NJ – In a heartbreaking incident, Sean Higgins, a 43-year-old resident of Woodstock, New Jersey, has been apprehended and charged with two counts of death by auto following a fatal collision that resulted in the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. The tragic event took place on Thursday night when Higgins, driving a Jeep Cherokee, struck the brothers who were cycling along County Route 551 in Salem County, New Jersey.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were visiting the area for a family gathering and were preparing to attend their sister Katie’s wedding the next day. During an evening bike ride, their lives were tragically cut short when Higgins’ vehicle collided with them. Both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of the impact. Witnesses reported that Higgins fled the scene instead of stopping to help. However, his attempt to escape was unsuccessful, and law enforcement officers soon captured him near the Delaware state border.
Sean Higgins appeared in court on Friday, where he faced two counts of death by auto, a charge comparable to vehicular manslaughter in New Jersey. During the hearing, Higgins acknowledged consuming five or six beers before driving, expressing remorse and recognizing that his impaired state likely led to his impatience and reckless behavior.
The judge decided to keep Higgins in custody until his next court appearance on September 5th. If found guilty, Higgins could face substantial prison time. The case has attracted significant media attention, particularly because of Johnny Gaudreau’s prominence in the sports world.
Higgins is a father of two young daughters and a U.S. Army veteran with a commendable service history. He served in the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which was deployed to Kosovo. During his deployment in Kosovo in 2019, Higgins was promoted to Major, demonstrating his leadership and commitment as the Regional Command-East Civil-Military Cooperation Chief.
Residing in Woodstown, New Jersey, with his wife and children, Higgins was known for his dedication to both his family and his country, making the incident all the more shocking to those who know him.
Court documents indicate that this is not Higgins’ first legal issue. In the early 2000s, he had two prior encounters with the law in North Carolina. In 2005, he faced a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge, which was dismissed due to the absence of the arresting officer in court. Additionally, he received a speeding ticket in 2001, which was dismissed because of his previously clean driving record.
The loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau has deeply affected both the sports community and their hometown. Johnny Gaudreau, a notable player in the National Hockey League (NHL), was celebrated for his exceptional skills on the ice and his commitment to his family. His brother Matthew was equally cherished and respected by those who knew him. The Gaudreau family, who were looking forward to a joyful celebration, are now mourning the loss of two beloved sons and brothers.
This incident has sparked renewed conversations about the dangers of drunk driving and the tragic outcomes that can result from impaired driving decisions. As the legal process unfolds, it serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating effects of alcohol-related accidents.
The Woodstown, NJ community and the broader sports world are united in their grief as they seek justice for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. In the coming weeks, further developments in the case are expected as the legal system works to hold Sean Higgins accountable for the lives lost that tragic night.
