The legal proceedings continue in the tragic case involving the deaths of NHL player John Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, who were killed in a cycling accident in New Jersey last August. Sean M. Higgins, the driver charged in the incident, has pleaded not guilty to an indictment, rejecting a plea deal that would have seen him serve 35 years in prison.
Higgins, 44, a combat veteran and employee of an addiction treatment company, appeared in Salem County court on Tuesday to formally enter his plea. The charges stem from the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers on August 29th. With the not guilty plea, the case is now set to move forward to trial, leaving the Gaudreau family and the hockey world awaiting further developments.
Defense lawyers have stated their intention to demonstrate that the fatal incident was not a result of “malfeasance” on Higgins’ part, but rather a confluence of “uniquely unfortunate circumstances.” They describe Higgins as a man of faith who trusts in the judicial process.
However, prosecutors paint a different picture, alleging that Higgins was impaired and exhibiting road rage at the time of the accident. They claim he had consumed five or six beers and had been driving erratically for two hours prior to the incident, reportedly upset after a conversation with his mother and making phone calls.
John Gaudreau, known to fans as “Johnny Hockey,” was 31, and his brother Matthew was 29 when they were killed near their childhood home in South Jersey. The tragedy occurred on the eve of their sister’s wedding, compounding the family’s grief.
Eyewitness testimony from another driver suggests Higgins was driving aggressively before the collision. This driver reported slowing down and moving to the left to pass the cyclists, at which point Higgins allegedly sped up and veered right, striking John and Matthew Gaudreau.
Police reports indicate Higgins’ blood-alcohol level was .087, exceeding New Jersey’s legal limit of .08. He also reportedly failed a field sobriety test at the scene.
Higgins faces severe charges, including two counts of aggravated manslaughter and two counts of vehicular homicide. He is also charged with evidence tampering and leaving the scene of an accident, reflecting the gravity of the accusations against him.
Matthew Portella, Higgins’ defense lawyer, acknowledged the tragedy but described his client as a “loving father and a good person” who made a “horrible decision.” Both the defense and prosecution have confirmed the previously offered plea deal, which Higgins declined.
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John Gaudreau was a prominent figure in the NHL, having completed ten seasons in the league. He was preparing to begin his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, after spending his first eight NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames, where he established himself as a star. His untimely death has deeply impacted the hockey community, leaving a void both on and off the ice. The upcoming trial will undoubtedly be closely watched as the legal system seeks to deliver justice in this heartbreaking case.
