Sean Higgins faces charges in tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

In August 2024, Sean M. Higgins, a New Jersey man, was involved in a fatal incident where he struck NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, while they were riding bicycles on County Route 551. Higgins was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee and attempted to pass another vehicle when he allegedly lost control and hit the cyclists. Upon police arrival, Higgins admitted to consuming five to six beers prior to the incident, with a blood alcohol level of 0.087, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08. Tragically, both brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. After the incident, a grand jury indicted Higgins on two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, tampering with evidence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. During his arraignment hearing, held recently, Higgins entered a not guilty plea to all charges. Prosecutors in New Jersey offered him a plea deal of 35 years in prison if he pleaded guilty to all related charges, including consecutive 15-year sentences for the aggravated manslaughter counts and an additional five years for leaving the scene. Attorneys representing Higgins expressed confidence in their client's innocence, emphasizing that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. They also indicated plans to file motions regarding certain counts of the indictment, arguing these charges were improperly presented to the grand jury. They maintain that the circumstances leading to the tragedy were unique and unlikely to recur. Higgins' next court appearance is scheduled for February 4, 2025, as both the defense and prosecution continue to prepare for what could be a complex trial process. The case has garnered considerable media attention, and the community is closely monitoring developments surrounding the tragic deaths of the Gaudreau brothers.