Sean Higgins pleads not guilty in fatal crash of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother
- Sean M. Higgins appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to charges related to the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
- The Gaudreau brothers were cycling in New Jersey when they were struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by an intoxicated Higgins.
- This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, prompting calls for justice as the case moves toward trial.
In a tragic event that shocked the hockey community, two brothers, Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau, were killed in a car accident on August 29, 2023, while cycling in Salem County, New Jersey. They were memorable figures, particularly Johnny, a talented NHL player, celebrated for his contributions to the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. The incident occurred just hours before they were set to participate in their sister’s wedding, a moment meant to be joyous turned into an unimaginable tragedy, drawing attention and grief from fans and loved ones alike. The 44-year-old driver, Sean M. Higgins, faces serious charges including two counts of vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, and evidence tampering. According to reports, Higgins was allegedly under the influence at the time of the accident, registering a blood alcohol level of 0.087, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08 in New Jersey. In court, it was revealed that Higgins had consumed five or six beers prior to the incident. His impaired state allegedly contributed to an aggressive driving behavior leading up to the collision. After initially being offered a 35-year prison sentence in exchange for a guilty plea, Higgins opted to enter a not-guilty plea during the post-indictment arraignment. His decision has now set the stage for a trial, where his defense team claims they will seek to dismiss some charges, though they have not specified which ones. The plea reflects a contentious and complex legal battle ahead, as the Gaudreau family and the broader hockey community await justice for their tragic loss. As the trial approaches, the emotional aftermath of this incident resonates deeply in the hockey world. Tributes have poured in for the Gaudreau brothers, celebrating their lives and contributions to the sport. The loss has impacted many, from teammates to fans, all mourning the untimely deaths of two beloved figures who were both about to embark on new chapters as fathers. The repercussions of this tragic event extend beyond the courtroom, affecting numerous lives connected to the brothers and the hockey community they left behind.