The body-cam footage showed the tense moments after the crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on August 29.
The tragic crash happened less than three miles from the Gaudreau family’s home, just hours before Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were supposed to be groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.
Highlights
- Sean Higgins, the 43-year-old man accused of causing the demise of the Gaudreau brothers, faces up to 20 years in prison.
- In the body camera footage, he seems nervous throughout the video, repeatedly mentioning that he is “freaked out.”
- Higgins lives in Woodstown, New Jersey, with his wife and two young daughters.
The brothers, who played together at Boston College, have been honored in Calgary and Columbus, where Johnny played in the NHL.
During a ceremonial puck drop at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Johnny’s former teammate Sean Monahan from Columbus was seen crying.
Players from both teams struggled to hold back their emotions.
The Gaudreau family was present for the ceremony, with Johnny’s widow, Meredith, holding one of their two children.
She had shared in September that she was expecting their third child.
Meredith expressed how comforting it had been to return to Calgary, mentioning how warm and welcoming everyone had been, making it feel like they had never left.
Johnny and Matthew’s father, Guy, also spoke about the incredible support from Calgary’s fans, especially during the ‘13 Forever‘ tribute, which honors Johnny’s jersey number.
The Drunk Driver, Sean Higgins, Is Charged With Two Counts Of Second-Degree Death
Sean Higgins, the 43-year-old man charged with causing the fatal crash, is facing up to 20 years in prison.
In newly released body-cam footage, Higgins can be seen struggling with field sobriety tests after admitting to drinking earlier in the day.
Johnny Gaudreau ❤️ pic.twitter.com/I1PYFC03cf
— LandryClaude (@Claude6Landry) December 8, 2024
He told police he had consumed “five or six” Miller Lites but later claimed it had been “two hours” since his last drink.
Prosecutors allege that Higgins was legally drunk when his vehicle struck the Gaudreau brothers, who were cycling on a rural road near Philadelphia.
His blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.087, slightly above the legal limit of 0.08 in New Jersey.
Higgins is now charged with two counts of second-degree death by auto and could face up to 20 years in prison.
In the newly released police video provided to Philadelphia’s ABC 6, Sean Higgins is shown handcuffed and being read his Miranda rights.
He then asks if everyone is okay and inquires about what happened.
Although Higgins is cooperative, he seems nervous throughout the video, repeatedly mentioning that he is “freaked out.”
He also informs officers about recent knee surgery, expressing concern that it could affect his ability to perform the field sobriety tests.
An officer asks if the surgery is impacting him at that moment, and Higgins responds by suggesting he might be limping.
The officer asks Higgins if he feels any pain during the tests. Higgins struggles to follow some instructions and asks officers to repeat themselves.
After some difficulty, an officer becomes frustrated and orders Higgins to turn around and put his hands behind his back, then proceeds to handcuff him.
Seemingly confused, Higgins asks what happened, but an officer says they will discuss it at the station.
Sean Higgins Had An Elite Military Career
Higgins lives in Woodstown, New Jersey, with his wife and two young daughters.
He previously served in the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Kosovo and was promoted to Major in 2019 during a leadership visit to the country.
BREAKING | Booking photo and information of 43-year-old Sean Higgins
— Crime With Bobby (@CrimeWithBobby) August 30, 2024
He been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide for the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau pic.twitter.com/rWf54X1Ivd
During the visit, Higgins credited his family for their support throughout his military career.
He also served as the Regional Command-East Civil-Military Cooperation chief in Kosovo, though it’s unclear if he’s still serving in the U.S. Army.
As a field artillery officer, Higgins is currently assigned to the New Jersey Army National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters, working part-time as a traditional Drill Status Guardsman.
Additional Information
- He played college hockey for the Boston College Eagles, a Division I team, for three seasons starting in 2011.
- Gaudreau was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the 2011 NHL Draft.
- Known as “Johnny Hockey,” he earned the prestigious Hobey Baker Award in 2014, recognizing him as the best player in NCAA hockey.
