Man facing ‘death by auto’ charges in drunken crash that killed Johnny Gaudreau, brother, police say

Date:

An alleged drunken driver is facing criminal charges in connection with a crash in New Jersey that claimed the lives of Boston College hockey standout Johnny Gaudreau and his brother on the eve of their sister’s wedding.

‘Unimaginable tragedy’: Boston College hockey standout, brother killed on eve of sister’s wedding

Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, was arrested on two counts of death by auto in connection with the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew, according to New Jersey State Police.

Troopers responding to a report of a crash on the northbound side of Country Route 551 in Oldmans Township just after 8:15 p.m. on Thursday learned that the Gaudreau brothers were riding bicycles along the side of the road when a Jeep Grand Cherokee plowed into them from behind, state police said.

The Jeep driver, later identified as Higgins, was traveling north behind a sedan and SUV when he tried to pass the “slower-moving” sedan and SUV.

“[Higgins] entered the southbound lanes of travel, passed the slower-moving sedan, and attempted to re-enter the northbound lanes of travel when the SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes to safely pass,” state police said in a statement.

Higgins then struck the Gaudreaus when attempted to pass the SUV on the right, leaving them with injuries that ultimately proved fatal, according to state police.

Troopers noted that they believed Higgins was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Higgins appeared to have glassy eyes in a mugshot released by state police.

Higgins was booked into the Salem County Correctional Facility pending a court appearance.

Johnny Gaudreau played nine NHL seasons with the Calgary Flames and two with the Columbus Blue Jackets after turning in a highly decorated career at Boston College.

Matthew Gaudreau also played at Boston College before going on to play in the AHL, ECHL, and Hockeyettan in Sweden.

Johnny and Matthew were supposed to serve as groomsmen in their sister’s wedding on Friday afternoon.

An investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

Share post:

Popular

More like this
Related

Water hazards could be major factor as LPGA moves to new Ohio venue at TPC River’s Bend

'Birdie chances out there' for long hittersKorda noted that...

Fantasy Basketball Rankings: Power forward draft tiers for 2024-25 NBA season

The 2024-25 NBA season is fast approaching, so in...

Lions head coach Dan Campbell selling home amid security concerns

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and his wife...

McVay ‘not sad’ 49ers stars Deebo, CMC won’t play vs. Rams

McVay ‘not sad' 49ers stars Deebo, CMC won't play...