COLUMBUS, Ohio — The driver accused of hitting and killing Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother admitted to consuming alcohol while driving before the crash in New Jersey on Thursday, according to court records.
Gaudreau, 31, and his brother, Matt, 29, are Carneys Point, New Jersey, natives and were set to be groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding that was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.
New Jersey State Police said the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when a man driving an SUV in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the driver, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of death by auto, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. He was jailed at the Salem County Correctional Facility.
According to the criminal complaint obtained by The Associated Press, Higgins told a responding officer he had five or six beers prior to the crash and admitted to consuming alcohol while driving. He failed a field sobriety test, the complaint said, though his blood-alcohol level was not immediately available.
Known as "Johnny Hockey," the elder Gaudreau brother signed with Columbus following the 2021-22 season when he was the top free agent on the market.
The Columbus Blue Jackets said the hockey star brought a genuine love for the sport with him everywhere he played.
“He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could,” the team said.
The team's full statement can be read below.