In a tragic event that has left the sports community reeling, more details have surfaced regarding the drunk driver responsible for the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew. The brothers were struck and killed while cycling in Oldsmans Township, New Jersey, on Thursday night.
The Gaudreau brothers were in town to celebrate a joyous occasion—their sister Katie’s wedding, which was set to take place the following day. The unimaginable loss has turned what should have been a time of celebration into one of mourning for the Gaudreau family and their loved ones.
The man behind the wheel has been identified as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, a father of two from Pilesgrove, New Jersey. Reports indicate that Higgins admitted to police that he had consumed five to six beers before the accident occurred.
In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that Higgins is not only a father but also a professional in the field of addiction treatment and a high-ranking military officer. According to Dana Kennedy and Marie Pohl of the New York Post, Higgins works at a rehab center and serves as a decorated major in the US Army:
“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.”
Higgins holds the position of a financial officer at Gaudenzia Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers, as reported by the Post. The irony of his occupation, given the circumstances of the accident, is not lost on anyone following this heart-wrenching story.
Johnny Gaudreau leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and their two young children, who now face an unimaginable future without him. Matthew’s wife, Madeline, is pregnant with their first child, adding another layer of heartbreak to this already devastating situation. In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to support Madeline during this difficult 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 heartbreaking incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving. It’s a plea to all: if you plan to drink, make alternative arrangements—use public transportation, call a taxi, a rideshare service, or ask a family member or friend to help you get home safely.
The sports world has come together to honor the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Fans, athletes, and teams from across the United States and Canada have expressed their grief and paid tribute to the brothers in various ways. In Columbus and Calgary, where Johnny played for the Blue Jackets and previously for the Flames, memorials have sprung up outside Nationwide Arena and Scotiabank Saddledome, with fans leaving jerseys, flowers, and other tokens of remembrance.
The outpouring of support has extended beyond the hockey community. Several sports teams, including the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Angels, have observed moments of silence in memory of the Gaudreau brothers.
This overwhelming response from the sports community highlights the profound impact that Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had on those who knew them and even those who simply admired them from afar. Their tragic deaths serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of drunk driving, a message that cannot be repeated enough.
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