More details have emerged on the drunk driver who struck and killed Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, on Thursday night.
The sports world is mourning the losses of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau, who were tragically killed when a drunk driver struck them while they were cycling in Oldsmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were in town for the wedding of their sister, Katie, which was supposed to take place on Friday.
The drunk driver has since been identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, a father of two from Pilesgrove, New Jersey. Higgins reportedly told police that he had 5-6 beers before the accident.
And in another stunning twist, it turns out that Higgins actually works at a rehab center for a living and is a highly-rank military officer, as noted by Dana Kennedy and Marie Pohl of the New York Post:
“Sean Higgins, 43, of Pilesgrove, NJ, a married father of two young daughters, has worked at the Norristown, Pa., company since September, according to his LinkedIn profile, which also lists him as a decorated US Army major who served in the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Kosovo, he wrote in his profile on the networking site.”
Per the Post, Higgins is a financial officer for the Gaudenzia Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers.
Johnny Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, and two young children. Matthew’s wife, Madeline, is pregnant with their first child, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to support her during this devastating time.
Always in our hearts. ❤️
In loving memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/1ZjXb5P1Qq
— NHL (@NHL) September 1, 2024
This unspeakable tragedy is just another reminder to please NEVER drink and drive. Use public transportation or call a taxi, a rideshare company, a family member or friend if you plan to drink.
Sports World Pays Tribute To Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau
Sports fans, teams and athletes across the United States and Canada have paid tribute to the Gaudreau brothers over the past 48 hours. Fans in Columbus and Calgary have started memorials by placing Gaudreau jerseys and flowers outside of the Blue Jackets’ and Flames’ home venues of Nationwide Arena and Scotiabank Saddledome, respectively.
Several teams also held a moment of silence in honor of the Gaudreaus, including the Ohio State Buckeyes football team as well as the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball.
