Details emerge in alleged drunk driving crash that killed Johnny Gaudreau
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Details emerge in alleged drunk driving crash that killed Johnny Gaudreau

The deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have rocked the sports world. Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were riding their bikes in Oldmans Township, N.J., when an alleged drunk driver struck and killed the Gaudreau brothers Thursday night. Now, new details are emerging about the incident and the man who was behind the wheel.

Eric Conklin of Pennlive.com was able to confirm some details about Sean Higgins. According to the website, the suspect is a 43-year-old from Pilesgrove Township, N.J., a major in the U.S. Army National Guard. He works as the director of financial operations for Gaudenzia, a company that runs rehabilitation centers throughout Pennsylvania.

Conklin reports that the nonprofit has placed Higgins on leave in connection with Gaudreau’s investigation. They released a statement regarding the incident.

“We have received devastating news regarding the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, as well as the charges brought against Sean Higgins,” Gaudenzia said in a statement. “Our condolences to the Gaudreau family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Higgins remains in jail on two counts of second-degree death by motor vehicle accident and has been issued tickets for multiple counts, including driving under the influence and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was trying to pass an SUV on the right when he hit the Gaudreau brothers. He admitted, according to police documents, that he had been drinking and that it affected his driving.

The world of sports remembers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Details emerge in alleged drunk driving crash that killed Johnny Gaudreau
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY Network

The untimely and tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have drawn tributes from around the sports world. The brothers lived in South Jersey, the area they were in Thursday night. They grew up as Philadelphia sports fans, and their hometown teams paid tribute to them. Jalen Hurts posted a tribute on social media, while the Phillies held a moment of silence for them.

Hockey players, fans and analysts have taken to social media to share their favorite Johnny Gaudreau stories. Known as one of the league’s good guys, college teammate Kevin Hayes honored their 14 years of friendship, former Flames teammate Matthew Tkachuk shared a few photos from their Calgary days, and Johnny and Matthew’s alma mater, Boston College, offered condolences.

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While the focus was on Gaudreau’s goodness off the ice, his greatness on the ice was also remembered. His game-winning goal in the 2012 national championship game was circulating, including with this tribute from ESPN’s John Buccigross.

The Blue Jackets open the season on the road and play their first home game Oct. 15. The game against Tkachuk’s Florida Panthers should include a touching tribute to the Gaudreau brothers. They play Gaudreau’s former team, the Calgary Flames, on Nov. 29 and Dec. 3.

Boston College should also remember Gaudreaus in their first home game, against American International College on Oct. 18. The team’s social media accounts posted tributes after their deaths. Former Eagles coach Jerry York, who led the team to the 2012 title with Gaudreau, came up with the idea of ​​erecting a statue of the No. 13 outside the Conte Forum.