Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Bicycle Accident Case: What to Know

New Jersey man accused of killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, face additional charges after the August 2024 fatal crash.

Sean M. Higgins faces a slew of criminal charges, including aggravated manslaughter, handed down by a grand jury on Wednesday, May 10. Columbus’ expedition reported. Higgins, 44, already faces two counts of vehicular homicide.

The brothers were struck and killed while driving in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on the evening of Thursday, August 29 – the night before their sister’s wedding. Johnny was 31 while Matthew was 29. He survived Johnny wife Meredith and their two children, daughter Noa and son Johnny. Matthew is remembered by his wife Madeline, with whom he is pregnant their first baby.

Johnny and Matthew were back in their hometown to be bachelors at their sister’s Katie Gaudreauwedding.

“Knowing these two was loving these two,” Katie wrote on Instagram on Monday, Sept. 2, alongside a presentation of family photos over the years. “There are absolutely no words to describe the bond that my family shared. The whole world knows that there would never be John without Matty or Matty without John. The absolute best big brothers a little girl could ask for. This will never be a goodbye post because I will never stop saying your names and honoring you both. I’ll take the best care of Mom, Dad, Kristen, Mer, Madeline and your kids.”

My Weekly confirmed that the men were hit by a drunk driver who were subsequently charged with their deaths. Higgins, who is from Woodstown, New Jersey, was taken into custody the night of the crash and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.

Keep scrolling to know all about the Gaudreau brothers’ case:

What happened to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?

According to New Jersey State Police, Higgins was following two vehicles as he “attempted to pass a slower-moving sedan and an SUV.” After passing the sedan in the “southbound lanes,” Higgins “attempted to rejoin the northbound lanes when the SUV in front of Higgins moved into the middle of the roadway, splitting the northbound and southbound lanes to pass safely. two (cyclists) riding north on the right side of the road.’

However, when Higgins attempted to pass the SUV from the right, he struck Johnny and Matthew “from behind”, causing them “fatal injuries”.

Police reported that Higgins showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking “five to six beers” before the crash. TMZ. Field sobriety tests were administered to Higgins at the scene and all failed.

He was booked and had a shot. Higgins was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility on two counts of vehicular homicide. In December 2024, Higgins faced additional criminal charges brought by a grand jury, including aggravated manslaughter. According to the New Jersey Penal Code, aggravated manslaughter — a first-degree felony — occurs when the accused “negligently causes death under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life.”

Is the case still open?

According to New Jersey State Police, the crash remains an “active investigation.”

Who is Sean M. Higgins?

Local news station FOX 29 Philadelphia announced that Higgins is a field artillery officer in the Army National Guard. He was not on duty at the time of the accident. In addition to his military background, Higgins also worked for a rehabilitation facility called Gaudenzia. The organization announced that Higgins is currently on leave following the incident.

Has Sean M. Higgins appeared in court?

The day after the crash, Higgins made a virtual court appearance, according to the ABC affiliate WSYX. Judge Michael J. Silvanio said Higgins’ detention hearing was scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 5. The judge also said both counts of vehicular manslaughter are “punishable by a maximum of 10 years” in state prison.

He appeared before a judge for a hearing on September 5, but the proceedings were adjourned until September 13. according to TMZ. Higgins is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 7 for arraignment following the indictment. Until then, he will remain in custody.