Tragedy struck the NHL community when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were fatally hit by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles on a country road in New Jersey. The driver, Sean Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Reports suggest that at the time of the incident, Higgins had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit. Allegedly, he admitted to having consumed multiple beers before the crash and subsequently failed a field sobriety test. Concerns were raised during a court hearing about Higgins’ potential release, and witnesses reported alarming comments made by him at the scene, hinting at thoughts of self-harm.
Higgins’ lawyer, Matthew Portella, argued in his defense, stating that his client’s blood alcohol level was just at the legal limit. Portella depicted Higgins as a devoted father, emphasizing his service in the Army and pointing out that he had no prior criminal record, except for a dismissed DUI charge in 2005.
Despite the arguments and counterarguments, Higgins was ordered to be detained until the trial, scheduled for October 15. The funeral services for the Gaudreau brothers were solemnly held last week, leaving behind grieving widows, both of whom are expecting children.