NJ- Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, 31, & brother, Matthew, 29, ret. pro. hockey player, hit & killed by DUI driver, 29/8/24

[dotr]

NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and His Brother Matthew, 29, Killed in New Jersey Bike Accident

NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, who plays for the Colombus Blue Jackets, and his brother Matthew have died in a biking accident in New Jersey, PEOPLE has confirmed.

people.com

NHL's Johnny Gaudreau dies at 31: Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau was killed Thursday night in what the team is calling an 'unimaginable tragedy.'

www.ctvnews.ca

''CBS News Philadelphia reports the two brothers were riding their bicycles in Salem County, N.J., Thursday night when they were struck by a man driving a jeep. Local police also confirmed the crash.

“Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean Higgins of Woodstown, N.J., attempted to pass a slower vehicle when he hit the Gaudreau brothers,” CBS Philadelphia said. “Higgins was detained under suspicion he was under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto.”

The Blue Jackets released a statement Friday morning saying the team is “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.”

 

[dotr]

Former Calgary Flames star Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed while cycling before sister's wedding

Here's what we know about the alleged driver suspected of fatally hitting Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew as the two were cycling.

nationalpost.com

'The Gaudreau brothers were reportedly in town to celebrate their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for Friday evening in Philadelphia, per People Magazine.'

''The Toronto Maple Leafs join the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames…

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 30, 2024''

 

[charminglane]

This is just so awfully sad.

 

[vls12345]

My heart breaks for their family and friends.

 

[Really?]

The piece of was drunk.
If the driver of a car in front of me veers to the left I would assume there is something in the road ahead. No not this drunk ah . He speeds to pass on the right shoulder area.

I hate hate hate hate people who drink and think they ok to drive.
I hope he gets life without parole.

 

[DS2021]

NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed after being struck by suspected drunk driver in NJ

The fatal crash happened the day before Gaudreau's sister's wedding was to be held in Philadelphia.

6abc.com

According to the police affidavit, the trooper who arrived on the scene detected a "strong odor of alcohol," and Higgins allegedly told the trooper he had consumed "five to six beers" before the crash. Higgins allegedly told investigators that he thought the driver of the SUV was trying to stop him from passing. Higgins told investigators that his consumption of alcohol contributed to his impatience and reckless driving, according to the criminal complaint

Im just glad he owned up to it. Hopefully he pleads guilty.

 

[rsteen]

Punishments for DUI aren't severe enough IMO. You hear of drivers committing multiple DUIs and they're still on the road racking up another one (not saying the driver in this case has a history).

What thought process convinced this guy he was okay to get behind the wheel with 5 or 6 beers on board? Now a family has to bury both their sons, two wives are now widows, babies left to grow up without their father. Such an avoidable tragedy.

 

[Charlot123]

As an evening driver, although always sober, I almost crawl in our neighborhood because people do not weal light-reflecting clothes. This is a reminder for everyone, please, wear something that would reflect light in the night.

 

[acutename]

As an evening driver, although always sober, I almost crawl in our neighborhood because people do not weal light-reflecting clothes. This is a reminder for everyone, please, wear something that would reflect light in the night.

8 pm is just about when it is dark this time of year....

 

[Charlot123]

8 pm is just about when it is dark this time of year....

In my neighborhood, there are many new bike trails. We know that bikers are considered pedestrians, but what bothers me is that there are zero reminders: for bikers - to wear reflective clothing or for us: additional warnings about biking trails. It is less related to the case itself (my family loves hockey; RIP, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau); but trying to use any chance to increase road safety.

 

[dotr]

Aug 30, 2024 #WSYX #ABC6 #News
_______________Sean Higgins, the man accused of driving drunk and causing a crashed that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and Gaudreau's brother, Matthew Gaudreau, made his first court appearance in New Jersey on Friday.

 

[sds71]

Suspected drunk driver accused of killing NHL star is member of US Army in NJ

Sean Higgins, the alleged drunk driver accused of killing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, is a field artillery officer assigned to the New Jersey Army National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters.

6abc.com

 

[Puzzles8]

What a very tragic heartbreaking loss to his family, to lose two brothers on the eve of their sister's wedding. It leaves behind two young widows, it also leaves behind Johnny's two very young children as well as Matty's pregnant wife. I can't imagine all of the pain and sorrow they are experiencing right now.

Johnny was initially drafted by the Calgary Flames and later in his career was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets. There was always doubt about his potential given his height and size. He spent his career proving them wrong. As well as he was consistently a clean player without dirty penalties. That speaks to his outstanding character.

My thoughts and prayers are out to his and his brother's family, teammates and friends.

JMO

 

[dotr]

rbbm

Alleged drunk driver in death of Johnny Gaudreau, brother looks dejected after learning he's stuck in jail over the weekend

The alleged drunk driver in the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers sighed when a judge told him he was going to be behind bars over the weekend.

torontosun.com

“So … I’m here until Thursday?” an exasperated Higgins asked Judge Michael J. Silvanio when he learned he would be held in jail over the long weekend.''

''NEW: Sean Higgins, the alleged drunk driver who k*lled NHL star Johnny Gaudreau & his brother on Thursday, lets out an irritated sigh after he is told he'd be spending the weekend in jail.

What a .''

 

[LadyL]

rbbm

Alleged drunk driver in death of Johnny Gaudreau, brother looks dejected after learning he's stuck in jail over the weekend

The alleged drunk driver in the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers sighed when a judge told him he was going to be behind bars over the weekend.

torontosun.com

“So … I’m here until Thursday?” an exasperated Higgins asked Judge Michael J. Silvanio when he learned he would be held in jail over the long weekend.''
View attachment 528380
''NEW: Sean Higgins, the alleged drunk driver who k*lled NHL star Johnny Gaudreau & his brother on Thursday, lets out an irritated sigh after he is told he'd be spending the weekend in jail.

What a .''

oh boy, he's really not gonna like his probable future sentence then
I guess reality hasn't hit him yet

 

[ilovewings]

The piece of was drunk.
If the driver of a car in front of me veers to the left I would assume there is something in the road ahead. No not this drunk ah . He speeds to pass on the right shoulder area.

I hate hate hate hate people who drink and think they ok to drive.
I hope he gets life without parole.

So very very sad- brothers- unfathomable- heartbreaking. My heart goes out to their family and friends.
I wouldn't count on LWOP- Drunks who kill people seem to get lighter sentences than I expect

 

[ilovewings]

rbbm

Alleged drunk driver in death of Johnny Gaudreau, brother looks dejected after learning he's stuck in jail over the weekend

The alleged drunk driver in the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers sighed when a judge told him he was going to be behind bars over the weekend.

torontosun.com

“So … I’m here until Thursday?” an exasperated Higgins asked Judge Michael J. Silvanio when he learned he would be held in jail over the long weekend.''
View attachment 528380
''NEW: Sean Higgins, the alleged drunk driver who k*lled NHL star Johnny Gaudreau & his brother on Thursday, lets out an irritated sigh after he is told he'd be spending the weekend in jail.

What a .''

He appears unremorseful by virtue of an exasperated sigh--- get ready for some sort of defense that will make us nauseated.

 

[Bounceycat]

So very very sad- brothers- unfathomable- heartbreaking. My heart goes out to their family and friends.
I wouldn't count on LWOP- Drunks who kill people seem to get lighter sentences than I expect

10 years is the max sentence for his charge. Seems light in comparison to two young lives lost.