Update On Alleged Drunk Driver Sean Higgins Who Killed ‘Johnny Hockey’

Sean Higgins, who allegedly struck and killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew Gaudreau while intoxicated, will remain in jail for at least one more week.

Higgins, 43, appeared in court via Zoom for a pretrial hearing on Thursday.

Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio said the defense and prosecutors met before the hearing and agreed to ask for three business days each to file documents, exhibits and potential legal briefs. The next hearing is scheduled for September 13.

Higgins, 43, is facing multiple charges including two counts of vehicular homicide. He allegedly hit 31-year-old Johnny Gaudreau and 29-year-old Matthew Gaudreau while they were riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on August 29.

Higgins was allegedly attempting to pass two vehicles in his Jeep Grand Cherokee and crashed into the brothers from behind. Officials said he failed a field sobriety test.

During the hearing, Higgins was seen wearing an orange jail uniform at the Salem County Correctional Facility. He only spoke briefly at the end of the proceeding to acknowledge Silvanio as he was excusing everyone.

He has not been offered bail.

Funeral Services for Gaudreau Brothers

The funeral service for Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau will be held on Monday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania. The service will be livestreamed to the public on the Columbus Blue Jackets’ website.

Gaudreau was a forward on the Columbus Blue Jackets. His career in the NHL started in 2011 when he was drafted to the Calgary Flames. He had earned the nickname “Johnny Hockey.”

Johnny Gaudreau’s obituary describes him as more than a hockey star.

“Fame and stardom aside, John was a quiet and simple person. Spending time with his loved ones was what he cared about most. His family members were his best friends, and his best friends were considered family,” the obituary said.

He leaves behind his wife Meredith Gaudreau and two young children, Noa and Johnny.

Matthew Gaudreau was expecting his first child with his wife, Madeline Gaudreau. His obituary expressed the love he had for his growing family.

“Matthew and Madeline were inseparable since they met in Omaha 14 years ago. The last 5 months the joy of welcoming a son consumed his everyday, he was born to be a dad,” the obituary said.

A GoFundMe for Madeline Gaudreau and the couple’s child has raised over $615,000.

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