Heartbreaking: Alleged drunk driver who killed Johnny Gaudreau and NHLer’s brother extend sympathies to the Gaudreau family

‘We extend our sympathies to the Gaudreau family during this incredibly difficult time.’

The alleged drunk driver arrested in the deaths of NHL all-star Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew worked at a rehab centre, according to a report by the New York Post.

Sean Higgins has been put on leave from his position as a finance officer at Gaudenzia Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers, the organization announced in a statement on Saturday. This comes after his arrest.

Gaudenzia Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers stated, “We received the heartbreaking news regarding the tragic crash that took the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, along with charges brought against Sean Higgins,” according to the Post. “Mr. Higgins, a Gaudenzia employee, was put on leave right away.

“We send our deepest condolences to the Gaudreau family during this extremely trying time.”

According to his LinkedIn page, Higgins, 43, identified himself as a decorated U.S. Army major who was a member of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Kosovo.

Higgins stated on LinkedIn that he was still serving in the New Jersey Army National Guard and that he had joined in 2008.

The Pilesgrove, New Jersey native has been employed at the Gaudenzia since September 2023. He is a married father of two daughters.

Authorities claim that on the eve of their sister’s wedding, Higgins crashed his Jeep Grand Cherokee into the backs of the Gaudreau brothers while they were riding.

When Higgins crashed his car into the Gaudreau boys while they were riding their bikes in their hometown of Salem County, New Jersey, authorities say he was intoxicated. Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto. The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene.

The alleged drunk driver who killed the NFL player and his younger brother in a deadly collision appeared sad when a judge informed him he would be spending the weekend in jail during a virtual court appearance on Friday.

The New York Post reports that Higgins was mandated to stay in detention until his subsequent hearing on September 5.

“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.

The Gaudreau brothers were riding on a road in Oldmans Township on Thursday night when a man traveling in the same direction in an SUV tried to pass two other cars and hit them from behind, according to New Jersey State Police.

Higgins confirmed to police that he had “five or six beers” before the collision and that he had drunk alcohol while operating a motor vehicle, according to the criminal complaint that The Associated Press and TMZ Sports were able to get.

Social media has been flooded with tributes to the two brothers. Calgary supporters erected a memorial to the former Flames player, complete with jerseys, framed pictures, sticks, and chalk art.

The post on Instagram by Meredith, Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, said, “Thank you for the best years of my life.”

“I am still the luckiest girl alive to have been yours, even after losing you. I adore you incredibly,” she continued.

“You were flawless. On certain days, it seemed too lovely to be real. I adore everything about you completely. I am really excited to spend more time with you since you are my forever. I will always and forever adore you so much.

In order to support Madeline, Matthew’s wife, who is expecting their first child, a GoFundMe page has been created.

The terrible news that the Gaudreau family has suffered a terrible and incomprehensible loss breaks our hearts. Matthew and his brother John lost their lives in an automobile accident on August 29, 2024,” the page states.

We are banding together to support Madeline, Matthew’s wife, and their developing child Tripp during this unbearably trying time, and to help lessen some of the financial responsibilities they are currently bearing. They will be able to take time off work to grieve and come together as a family thanks to your support.

“Your support on any level will help alleviate some of the financial burden off the Gaudreau family as they navigate this journey, even though money cannot take away the pain of loss.”

“All funds raised will be given directly to Madeline to assist with burial costs and the upbringing of baby Tripp.”