Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Crash That Killed NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother

Sean Higgins, charged with multiple counts including aggravated manslaughter, rejected a plea deal and faces trial after the August crash in New Jersey.

Sean Higgins, 44, faces charges including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide after allegedly driving drunk and killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau while they were cycling in August 2024.
Higgins rejected a 35-year plea deal and pleaded not guilty during a post-indictment arraignment in Salem County, New Jersey, with his next court date set for February 4.
Prosecutors allege Higgins had a blood alcohol level of 0.087, above the legal limit, and was driving aggressively when he struck the brothers, who were in town for their sister’s wedding the following day.
The Gaudreau family, including the brothers’ widows and parents, attended the hearing as they continue to mourn the loss of Johnny, an NHL star, and Matthew, a former Boston College hockey standout.
Higgins’ defense team claims the crash resulted from “uniquely unfortunate circumstances” rather than criminal intent, as the case moves toward trial.

The Philadelphia Inquirer