The case of Sean Higgins, the man accused of the drunk driving incident that claimed the lives of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, continues to unfold as Higgins remains in jail pending trial. Higgins, 43, appeared in a New Jersey courtroom last Friday, facing two counts of vehicular homicide. A judge ordered that he be held without bail, citing concerns over public safety and the strength of evidence ABC6 reported.
Superior Court Judge Michael J. Silvanio reviewed the case's merits during a detention hearing, highlighting a history of road rage and a previous admission of guilt by Higgins. Despite a defense team's citation of Higgins's military service and arguments for his low risk under the state's new risk assessment system, the judge concluded no conditions could ensure the statutory goals were met. "I believe the state has convinced this court by clear and convincing evidence that there is no amount of monetary bail, or non monetary conditions, or combination thereof, that I could put in place that would ensure the statutory goals," Silvanio said in a statement obtained by NBC Philadelphia.
Higgins' legal representative, Attorney Matthew Portella, spoke of the charged emotions surrounding the case. "This is a highly-publicized case, it’s an emotionally-charged case and one in which everybody has lost and is losing," Portella said via NBC Philadelphia. The attorney's comments reflected the heightened attention the case commands, not just locally but across the sports community, due to Johnny Gaudreau's beloved status as "Johnny Hockey," a former Calgary Flames standout and recently a Columbus Blue Jackets player. The news of the crash on County Route 551 as the brothers rode bicycles has been keenly followed by fans and the public alike.
At the crash scene, Higgins reportedly attempted to pass an SUV overtaking the bike-riding Gaudreau brothers on a two-lane road. Higgins was behind the wheel of a Jeep Grand Cherokee when he struck the brothers from the rear, resulting in fatal injuries. The tragic loss of the brothers occurred in their home state, where they were to celebrate their sister's wedding the day following the incident. Johnny Gaudreau was 31, and Matthew Gaudreau was 29 at their passing, according to a probable cause affidavit cited by The New York Times.
The next court appearance for Higgins is scheduled for October 15 as the legal process continues to grapple with the ramifications of a night that has since cast a long shadow over not just two families but a sport and its community of supporters. Higgins has remained in custody since the August 29 crash, with each new detail and courtroom exposition adding layers to a story of profound loss and accountability.
