A recent tragic accident has shocked the sports world and the local community.
Sean Higgins, a 43-year-old from Woodstown, New Jersey, has been charged with two counts of death by auto and various traffic violations following a fatal crash on August 29.
Details of the Incident
The collision claimed the lives of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29.
The two were cycling near their family home, preparing for their sister Katie’s wedding.
According to prosecutors, Higgins’ blood alcohol level was 0.087, which is above Ohio’s legal limit of 0.08.
Legal Proceedings and Concerns
Higgins is currently in jail, with Judge Michael Silvanio expressing concerns about his potential flight risk.
Silvanio criticized Higgins for his impaired driving, noting that his impatience and poor judgment were evident.
Prosecutor Jonathan Flynn revealed that Higgins was speeding and driving erratically behind other vehicles before the crash.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses reported that Higgins’ Jeep Grand Cherokee was speeding and maneuvering aggressively.
One SUV driver had to shift lanes to avoid the brothers, but Higgins’ vehicle accelerated on the right, leading to the tragic collision.
Higgins admitted to consuming “five to six” beers before the incident.
Defense and Family Impact
In court, Higgins’ attorney, Matthew Portella, argued that his client’s blood alcohol level was just over the legal limit and claimed his poor performance on field sobriety tests was due to a recent knee surgery.
Portella also noted that Higgins had acknowledged his responsibility to family and friends during jail phone calls.
The Gaudreau family is in mourning as Johnny leaves behind his wife Meredith, their two young children, and another child on the way.
Matthew’s wife Madeline is also grieving, expecting their first child later this year.
The crash occurred less than three miles from the Gaudreau family home, just hours before Katie’s wedding.
This heartbreaking event has left the family and the community in deep sorrow as they grapple with the loss of two beloved individuals.