Driver charged with killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau pleads not guilty
Hockey players were killed while riding by alleged drunk driver Sean Higgins
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The driver charged with killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, while they were riding in New Jersey pleaded not guilty Tuesday after rejecting a 35-year plea deal. Sean M. Higgins, 44, appeared in Salem County court and formally entered his plea. The case is set to proceed to trial.
On Aug. 29, Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed while riding their bikes after being hit by a suspected drunk driver while cycling in New Jersey.
In town for sister’s wedding
“The National Hockey League family was shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother, and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path,” read a statement from the NHL.
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New Jersey State Police reported that the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on County Route 551 in Salem County around 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday when a Jeep Grand Cherokee struck them. Both brothers died from their injuries. The driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drunk driving and faced two counts of death by auto. He remained in custody.
The two brothers had been in New Jersey for their sister’s wedding, which was to take place Friday.
Defence argued situation was “unique”
Defence lawyers stated they aim to prove the deaths resulted from “uniquely unfortunate circumstances” rather than “malfeasance.” They described Higgins as a combat veteran with faith in the legal system. Prosecutors said Higgins, a married father of two and addiction treatment worker, had a history of road rage and was impaired after drinking five or six beers.
He claimed to have been driving for two hours, occasionally talking with a friend after an upsetting conversation with his mother.
Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of .087, above the state’s .08 limit, and failed a sobriety test, according to police. He faces charges of aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene. Defence lawyer Matthew Portella described Higgins as a loving father who “made a horrible decision that night,” according to a report from CBS.