On September 13, 2024, a somber atmosphere filled a New Jersey courtroom as Sean M. Higgins, the man accused in the tragic deaths of hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, appeared virtually for a bond hearing.
Judge Michael Silviano presided over the proceedings, which took place two weeks after the fatal incident in Oldmans Township. The judge highlighted Higgins’ alleged “aggressive driving behavior” that led to the untimely deaths of the Gaudreau brothers, who were cycling at the time.
New evidence presented to the court revealed Higgins’ blood alcohol level was 0.087, exceeding the legal limit. Judge Silviano emphasized the severity of the impairment, stating, “The accused’s driving was so compromised that he failed to notice two cyclists using the road responsibly.”
A poignant moment they occurred when Higgins, 43, visibly teared up as the judge mentioned character reference letters submitted to the court. Despite no longer being under suicide watch, concerns about Higgins’ well-being if released persisted.
Judge Silviano denied Higgins’ bond request, citing public safety concerns. The accused has a week to appeal this decision, with the next court date set for October 15. If convicted, Higgins faces up to 20 years in prison.
According to local reports, investigators learned from Higgins’ wife that he had recently increased his alcohol consumption while working from home. Prosecutor Jonathan Flynn detailed that on the night of the incident, Higgins left his house in an agitated state following a phone call and continued another call while driving.
Flynn also shared witness accounts describing Higgins’ erratic driving before the tragic collision. “The suspect didn’t even register the presence of the cyclists,” Flynn stated.
The Gaudreau family and community mourned the loss of Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, at a memorial service on September 9. The brothers’ wives, Meredith and Madeline, delivered heartfelt tributes at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church near Philadelphia.
This case continues to draw attention to the devastating consequences of impaired driving, leaving a community in grief and sparking discussions about road safety.
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