Suspect charged in the death of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew has pleaded not guilty
A man accused of murder NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, with his vehicle while riding a bicycle, pleaded not guilty Tuesday, rejecting a prosecutor’s offer of 35 years in prison.
Just the day before their sister’s wedding, the Gaudreau brothers were riding bicycles near their childhood home when they were hit and killed by a vehicle on August 29, 2024.
Sean Higgins, 44, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter, two counts of vehicular homicide, tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident.
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A monument honoring Johnny Gaudreau is on display at Nationwide Arena, October 15, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Police noted that Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of 0.087, which is above the legal limit for driving in New Jersey, and that he failed a field sobriety test. Police also said Higgins was driving aggressively, which included accelerating to pass multiple vehicles, when he hit Gaudreaus.
Higgins’ lawyers said in a statement in court in New Jersey that they hope to prove the incident was not due to “abuse” but instead “a combination of uniquely unfortunate circumstances that are unlikely to ever happen again.”
It has not yet been determined when Higgins will next appear in court, although the trial will be soon.
The Blue Jackets honored Gaudreau’s memory at their home opener this season, raising a banner with members of the Gaudreau family attending the game and participating in the ceremonial puck drop. (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)
Johnny spent 11 seasons in the NHL, amassing 743 points (243 goals, 500 assists) over nine seasons with the Calgary Flames and two with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Johnny was about to start his third season in Columbus.
The Blue Jackets honored Gaudreau’s memory this season at their home opener, raising a banner with members of the Gaudreau family attending the game and participating in the ceremonial puck drop.
Fiery he followed suit, but waited until the Blue Jackets arrived in town for their game in December for an emotional pregame ceremony that included members of the Gaudreau family.
The flag was raised in memory of Johnny Gaudreau. (Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images)
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Matthew was a standout member of Boston College during his four years with the program. He played for several teams after his college days ended, including the New York Islanders’ AHL team, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
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