Driver charged in death of Johnny Gaudreau, brother told police he had 5-6 beers: documents
OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, N.J. - The driver charged in connection with the crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew told police that he had consumed 5-6 beers prior to the incident, according to documents obtained by FOX 29.
Sean Higgins, 43, has been charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle in the Thursday evening collision that claimed the lives of Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29.
Investigators say the brothers were on pedalcycles on County Route 551 just after 8 p.m. when they were struck by a Jeep Cherokee they say was driven by Higgins.
MORE: Sports world reacts to the deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau
Authorities believe Higgins, 43, used the oncoming lane to pass a sedan and re-entered the right lane. Investigators said the deadly collision happened when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway to safely pass the two cyclists and Higgins attempted to pass the SUV on the right.
Sean Higgins, 43, was charged in a crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in Salem County.
According to documents obtained by FOX 29, officers who responded to the scene detected the smell of alcohol on Higgins' breath. That’s when Higgins allegedly stated that he had 5-6 beers prior to the crash.
Higgins then failed a field sobriety test and was placed under arrest, documents say.
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 10: Brothers Johnny Gaudreau #13 and Matthew Gaudreau #21 of the Boston College Eagles celebrate after the Eagles beat the Northeastern University Huskies to win their fifth Beanpot Championship in a row in NCAA hockey action in
Documents also say that Higgins later ‘explicitly stated’ that his consumption of alcohol contributed to his impatience on the roadway and reckless driving.
The tragedy came hours before Johnny and Matthews' sister, Katie Gaudreau, was set to be married in Gloucester City with a reception to follow in Philadelphia. TMZ reports the wedding has been canceled.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, played 11 NHL seasons, including nine with the Calgary Flames. For the past two seasons, Gaudreau has played with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Featured
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, brother struck and killed while riding bikes in New Jersey
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bikes on a rural New Jersey road Thursday night.
Nicknamed "Johnny Hockey," the former Boston College standout was a native of Salem, New Jersey and attended Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City.
Matthew Gaudreau played with Johnny at Boston College and Gloucester Catholic. He played in the 2021-2022 season for the Worcester Railers and formerly for the Reading Royals.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help Matthew's widow, Madeline, in advance of the birth of the couple's first child, who they named Tripp.