NEW DETAILS ABOUT DRIVER CHARGED WITH KILLING JOHNNY GAUDREAU, BROTHER REVEALED IN DETENTION HEARING

The driver accused of killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were cycling on a rural road had a blood-alcohol level of .087, exceeding New Jersey’s legal limit of .08, according to a prosecutor on Friday. The brothers, Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were struck in Carneys Point, New Jersey, on August 29, the night before they were to serve as groomsmen in their sister Katie’s wedding.

Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, faces charges including two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and alcohol-related offenses. At a virtual hearing, the judge ordered Higgins to stand trial despite the defense's argument that he was a married father and generally a law-abiding citizen. Defense attorney Matthew Portella described Higgins as empathetic and a loving father of two who made a grave mistake.

Higgins told authorities he consumed five or six beers that day and admitted to drinking while driving. He also failed a field sobriety test. Prosecutors said Higgins had been drinking at home after a stressful family conversation and work call. With a history of road rage and reckless driving, Higgins reportedly became frustrated when two drivers slowed down to pass the cyclists, leading him to attempt passing on the right, striking the brothers. Higgins claimed he didn’t see them.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, both hockey players, were laid to rest in a joint funeral on Monday at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Media, Pennsylvania. Their widows, Meredith and Madeline, who are both expecting children, gave heartfelt eulogies.

Higgins, who has a master’s degree and works in finance for an addiction treatment company, could face up to 20 years in prison. His wife revealed that he had been drinking frequently since working from home and had a history of reckless driving. Johnny Gaudreau, also known as “Johnny Hockey,” had a distinguished career in the NHL, including eight seasons with the Calgary Flames and a recent contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.