driver in Fatal Crash of NHL Star Gaudreau Faces Setback as Confession Admitted in Court
A New Jersey driver accused of fatally striking NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother with his vehicle on the eve of their sister’s wedding suffered a legal defeat Monday as a judge ruled his statements to police would be admissible at trial.
Sean Higgins, 44, is facing charges of vehicular-homicide, aggravated-manslaughter, and other offenses stemming from the August 29, 2024, crash in Oldmans Township. His defense team argued that statements made at the scene and during police questioning should be suppressed, claiming officers failed to properly advise him of his Miranda rights or halt the interview after he inquired about legal depiction.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of Johnny gaudreau, 31, a star forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his 29-year-old brother, Matthew Gaudreau, a former hockey player and rising coach. The brothers were riding bicycles home from their sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner when they were struck. A photograph of the brothers, shared by Katie Gaudreau on Facebook, highlights the devastating loss.
According to reports, Higgins immediately confessed to the collision, stating, “I hit them, I hit them.” He also allegedly admitted to consuming “five or six drinks” prior to the crash.
higgins’ lawyers contended that New Jersey state troopers had established probable cause for an arrest before questioning him, therefore a Miranda warning should have been issued at the scene, as reported by NJ.com. They further argued that Higgins’ request to consult with an attorney during a request to review his phone logs should have ended the interrogation.
However, Salem County prosecutors maintained that Higgins was informed of his rights both at the crash site and at the police station, and that he voluntarily agreed to speak with law enforcement on each occasion.
Judge Michael Silvanio sided with the prosecution, ruling that authorities were not required to read Higgins his rights at the scene because they were initially focused on gathering facts about the incident. The judge also determined that Higgins did not explicitly request an attorney when officers asked to examine his phone records,according to the Columbus Dispatch. Video evidence presented in court supported this finding.
This ruling represents the latest setback for Higgins, as Judge Silvanio had previously denied his attempt to exclude evidence collected from his vehicle. His legal team also unsuccessfully argued for the dismissal or reduction of charges, claiming the Gaudreau brothers were more intoxicated than Higgins at the time of the crash.
Investigators allege Higgins passed two vehicles that had slowed down for the cyclists, who were riding single file, before colliding with them. The case continues to draw meaningful attention, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have on families and communities.
Why did this happen? Sean higgins, 44, is accused of vehicular homicide and manslaughter after striking and killing NHL star Johnny gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, on August 29, 2024.He allegedly confessed to the collision and admitted to drinking prior to the crash.
Who is involved? The key figures are Sean Higgins,the accused driver; Johnny Gaudreau,the NHL player who died; Matthew gaudreau,
