Driver accused in killing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau faces judge

Hearing in Sean Higgins' case pushed back until next Friday

Published Sep 05, 2024  •  3 minute read

Sean Higgins speaks after his arrest in the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Twitter

The alleged drunk driver who hit and killed NHL all-star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew was in a New Jersey court on Thursday morning to face a judge.

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Sean Higgins had his detention hearing pushed back to Sept. 13 by Judge Michael J. Silvanio, who explained that he met with the accused’s lawyers and prosecutors, and both sides agreed to move the date.

The postponement is in order to file “exhibits and potential legal briefs” related to the case.

The state, according to Silvanio, used its three-day adornment request and Higgins’ attorney used three of their five adornment request days.

Higgins sat quietly in a Salem County jail booth wearing an orange prison jumpsuit as the short meeting commenced. Silvanio gave both the sides until next Wednesday to provide additional documents.

A mugshot of Sean Higgins, 43, who was arrested after Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew were struck and killed by a car.New Jersey state police photo Photo by New Jersey state police photo

Police allege that Higgins, a financial officer at a rehab company and married father of two daughters, slammed his Jeep Grand Cherokee into the backs of the Gaudreau brothers as they were cycling in their native Salem County, N.J. the night before their sister’s wedding last week.

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The brothers died at the scene. Higgins was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and has been charged with two counts of death by auto.

During his initial virtual court appearance last Friday, Higgins looked dejected when a judge told him he was going to be spending the weekend behind bars.

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“So … I’m here until Thursday?” an exasperated Higgins asked Silvanio when he learned he would be held in jail over the long weekend.

New Jersey State Police said the Gaudreau brothers were on a road in Oldmans Township on Aug. 29 when an SUV going in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles but weaved to the right to make an illegal pass when one of the vehicles pulled to the left to give the cyclists space.

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According to the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press, Higgins told authorities he drank “5-6 beers” prior to the crash and admitted to consuming alcohol while driving.

Tributes have been pouring in over social media for the two brothers. Fans in Calgary setup a tribute to the former Flames star, including chalk art, framed photos, sticks and jerseys.

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“Thank you for the best years of my life,” Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, wrote on Instagram. 

“Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much,” she added. 

“You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever.” 

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A GoFundMe set up to help support Matthew’s wife, Madeline, who is expecting the couple’s first child, had surpassed $615,000 as of Thursday morning.

“In this unimaginably difficult time, we are coming together to support Matthew’s wife, Madeline and their growing baby Tripp, and help alleviate some of the financial burdens they now face,” the fundraiser says. “Your support will allow them the time to take off work to grieve and heal as a family.

“Although no amount of money can ease the pain of loss, your support on any level will help take some of the financial weight off the Gaudreau family as they navigate this journey.”

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