Judge rules drinking did not contribute to deaths of Gaudreau brothers.
A New Jersey court has ruled that the blood alcohol levels of hockey player brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau did not contribute to their deaths when they were tragically struck by a vehicle driven by Sean Higgins, a 44-year-old man allegedly under the influence. This ruling, made by Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio on Tuesday, enables the ongoing prosecution of Higgins for charges that include vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter.
Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, Gaudreau, both notable figures in sports, were killed in August 2024 while cycling on a rural roadway in New Jersey. They were hit by Higgins, who reportedly had consumed alcohol and was exhibiting road rage at the time of the incident. Testimony from the scene indicated that Higgins attempted to pass a Ford Bronco on the right-hand side before colliding with the brothers. Upon questioning by law enforcement, Higgins disclosed that he had consumed several beers prior to and during his drive, following a heated argument with his mother. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.087, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08 in New Jersey, and he failed a field sobriety test.
Indicted for several serious charges in December 2024, Higgins pleaded not guilty to two counts of aggravated manslaughter, two counts of vehicular homicide, and additional charges related to leaving the scene and tampering with evidence. If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 70 years.
Reports later surfaced revealing that the Gaudreau brothers had also been drinking on the night of the incident, as they celebrated their sister’s wedding. Their respective blood alcohol levels were found to be significantly elevated, with Johnny at 0.129% and Matthew at 0.134%, higher than Higgins’. Despite this, during the court proceedings, witnesses testified that the brothers maintained a single-file position at the edge of the roadway, suggesting they were not at fault for the tragic collision.
In the conclusion of the proceedings, Judge Silvanio determined that there was insufficient evidence to support the claim of contributory negligence on the part of the cyclists, thus affirming the focus on Higgins’ actions leading to the fatal event. The Gaudreau family was present in the courtroom, visibly emotional as the legal discourse unfolded, marking a significant moment in a case that has garnered widespread public attention.
Media News Source
