A driver charged with killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, in a tragic accident on a rural New Jersey road has pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, appeared in court in Salem County, New Jersey, and rejected a prosecution offer of 35 years in prison. The case will now proceed towards trial.
Defense lawyers for Higgins stated that they aim to demonstrate that the deaths were the result of a combination of unfortunate circumstances rather than intentional wrongdoing. They described Higgins as a combat veteran who has faith in the legal system.
Prosecutors allege that Higgins, a married father of two who worked for an addiction treatment company, had a history of road rage and was impaired on the day of the incident after consuming five or six beers. Higgins had been driving for two hours following a distressing conversation with his mother, occasionally speaking on the phone with a friend.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, tragically lost their lives near their childhood home in South Jersey just before their sister's wedding. A witness reported that Higgins was driving aggressively and intentionally struck the cyclists after they slowed down and moved to pass them.
Police tests revealed that Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of .087, exceeding the state's legal limit of .08. He also failed a field sobriety test. Higgins faces charges including aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Higgins' defense attorney described him as a loving father and a good person who made a terrible decision that night. Both the defense lawyer and county prosecutors confirmed the details of the proposed plea deal.
Johnny Gaudreau, also known as 'Johnny Hockey,' had a successful career in the NHL, playing 10 seasons and was about to begin his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after spending eight seasons with the Calgary Flames.
