What's happened
Sean Higgins, accused of fatally hitting NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother while they were cycling, faced a court hearing on April 15, 2025. The defense argued for reduced charges, citing the brothers' intoxication, but prosecutors maintained they were riding safely. Higgins faces up to 70 years in prison if convicted.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Intoxication Debate: The defense claims the Gaudreau brothers were more intoxicated than Higgins, with blood alcohol levels of .129 and .134, compared to Higgins' .087. However, New Jersey law does not prohibit cycling while intoxicated.
- Witness Testimonies: Multiple witnesses reported that the brothers were cycling safely on the edge of the road when struck by Higgins, contradicting the defense's argument of contributory negligence.
- Legal Implications: If convicted, Higgins could face a maximum of 70 years in prison, highlighting the severe consequences of impaired driving.
- Emotional Impact: The case has drawn significant media attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the brothers' deaths, particularly as it occurred just before a family wedding.
What the papers say
According to Emily Crane from the NY Post, during the hearing, the Gaudreau family reacted emotionally as Higgins' attorney argued for reduced charges based on the brothers' alleged intoxication. Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mestern countered that the brothers were riding safely, stating, "There are four witnesses that witnessed the defendant speeding and illegally passing the Bronco on the right when he struck the brothers."
The Independent reported that prosecutors emphasized there is no law against cycling while intoxicated in New Jersey, making the defense's argument less relevant. They noted that the brothers were riding single-file and not weaving into traffic, which supports the prosecution's case against Higgins.
David Propper from the NY Post highlighted that the toxicology reports of the Gaudreau brothers are deemed "irrelevant" by prosecutors, who argue that their actions did not contribute to the collision. This perspective reinforces the prosecution's stance that Higgins' driving was the primary cause of the crash.
How we got here
The incident occurred on August 29, 2024, the eve of the Gaudreau brothers' sister's wedding. Both brothers were killed in the crash, and their wives have since given birth. Higgins, who was allegedly intoxicated, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
Go deeper
- What were the circumstances of the crash?
- How has the Gaudreau family responded to the case?
- What are the potential legal outcomes for Higgins?
More on these topics
-
New Jersey is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the Northeastern United States. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York; on the east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean; on the west by the Delaware River and Pennsylvania;