Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Deaths of NHL Player Johnny Gaudreau and Brother

The driver accused of killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, in a tragic cycling accident on a rural New Jersey road has pleaded not guilty to the recent indictment. Sean M. Higgins, 44, appeared in court in Salem County, New Jersey, and rejected a prosecution offer of 35 years in prison, signaling that the case will proceed to trial.

Defense attorneys representing Higgins expressed their intention to demonstrate that the deaths were the result of a series of unfortunate events rather than intentional wrongdoing. They emphasized Higgins’ background as a combat veteran and his faith in the legal system.

According to prosecutors, Higgins, a married father of two who worked in addiction treatment, was allegedly impaired at the time of the incident, having consumed several beers. Witnesses reported that Higgins had a history of road rage and was driving aggressively before colliding with the Gaudreau brothers near their childhood home in South Jersey.

The tragedy occurred on the eve of the Gaudreau sister’s wedding, adding to the heartbreaking nature of the situation. Higgins, who had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit, faces charges including aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Defense lawyer Matthew Portella described Higgins as a loving father who made a terrible decision that fateful night. Both Portella and county prosecutors confirmed the details of the proposed plea deal that Higgins declined.

Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” had a successful career in the NHL, playing for the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets. The loss of the Gaudreau brothers has deeply impacted their family, friends, and the hockey community at large.