Driver Charged with Killing NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Pleads Not Guilty After Rejecting 35-Year Prison Deal

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Sean Higgins, the driver charged with the deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, has pleaded not guilty after rejecting a plea deal that would have seen him serve 35 years in prison. The incident occurred on August 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, when the Gaudreau brothers were struck by Higgins' SUV while cycling. Higgins, who had a blood-alcohol level of .087, which is above the state's legal limit, failed a field sobriety test and is facing multiple charges, including two counts each of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Higgins, a 44-year-old combat veteran and father of two, was described by his defense lawyers as a loving father and a good person who made a "horrible decision that night." They argue that the deaths were the result of "uniquely unfortunate circumstances unlikely to ever occur again" and not due to malfeasance. The state had offered Higgins a plea deal that included a 35-year prison sentence, with 15 years for each aggravated manslaughter charge and five years for leaving the scene of a deadly crash. However, Higgins rejected this offer, leading the case to proceed to trial.

During the arraignment on January 7, 2025, Higgins' attorneys entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The case has garnered significant public attention, especially given Johnny Gaudreau's status as a well-known NHL player. Higgins remains in custody, and the next court date is scheduled for February 4, 2025.