Gaudreau Suspect Declines 35-Year Plea Deal, Pleads Not Guilty to Homicide Charges
PHILADELPHIA—The individual facing charges for the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, while they were cycling on a rural New Jersey road, pleaded not guilty to the indictment on Tuesday after rejecting a prosecution offer of 35 years in prison.
Sean M. Higgins, 44, made a brief appearance in a Salem County courtroom in New Jersey where he formally entered his plea regarding the recent indictment linked to the tragic events of August 29. The case is now set to proceed to trial.
The defense attorneys stated their intention to demonstrate that the fatalities resulted not from any “malfeasance” but rather from “a combination of uniquely unfortunate circumstances that are unlikely to be replicated.”
They characterized Higgins as a combat veteran who trusts in the judicial process.
According to prosecutors, the married father of two, who was employed at an addiction treatment facility, had a history of road rage and was impaired at the time after allegedly consuming five or six beers. He mentioned having driven for two hours while sometimes conversing by phone with a friend after a distressing discussion with his mother.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, tragically lost their lives near their childhood home in South Jersey on the eve of their sister’s wedding.
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Columbus Blue Jackets’ Sean Monahan (23) embraces Johnny Gaudreau’s mother Jane while his father Guy (R) observes at center ice prior to the first period of NHL hockey action between the Flames and the Blue Jackets in Calgary, Canada, on Dec. 3, 2024. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP
A witness driving ahead of Higgins informed the police that he had been driving recklessly. When she and another motorist slowed and moved left to bypass the cyclists, Higgins accelerated and swerved right, colliding with the Gaudreaus, according to her account.
Police reported that Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of .087, surpassing the legal limit of .08 in the state, and failed a field sobriety test.
He is currently facing charges that include two counts each of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide, in addition to evidence tampering and leaving the scene of an accident.
Defense attorney Matthew Portella described Higgins as a devoted father and good person who “made a terrible decision that night.”
Both Portella and county prosecutors confirmed the details regarding the proposed plea deal.
Known as “Johnny Hockey,” Johnny Gaudreau had a ten-season career in the NHL and was preparing to begin his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets after spending his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames.
By Maryclaire Dale
