**NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau’s Tragic Death: Trial Set for Sean Higgins**
A New Jersey judge has ruled that Sean Higgins, the man charged in the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, will face trial this summer on the original charges outlined in his indictment. This decision came after Judge Michael Silvanio dismissed the defense’s argument that the brothers’ alcohol consumption contributed to their tragic deaths.
During a court session that lasted nearly two hours, Judge Silvanio determined that all charges against Higgins would remain intact. He stated, “There’s no credence in the argument there was contributory negligence on the part of the cyclists.” Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mestern further criticized the defense’s position, calling it “a reach to say the least.”
Court records indicate that both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had blood-alcohol levels of .129 or higher when they were riding their bicycles on August 29, just before their sister’s wedding. They were struck by Higgins’ vehicle as he allegedly attempted to pass another vehicle on the right. However, witness testimonies confirmed that the brothers were riding responsibly, in single file and in accordance with traffic flow, just prior to the incident.
Mestern noted in a memo that four witnesses observed Higgins speeding and illegally passing the vehicle when he collided with the brothers.
Higgins himself had a blood-alcohol level of .087, exceeding New Jersey’s legal limit of .080. He faces serious charges, including two counts of aggravated manslaughter, two counts of vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of an accident. Higgins admitted to police that he had been drinking that day, including while driving.
His defense team argued that their motion was not intended to blame the Gaudreau brothers but rather to highlight that the grand jury may not have been fully informed before approving the charges. Higgins pleaded not guilty in January and could face up to 70 years in prison if convicted on all counts. He is scheduled to return to court on June 10.
**FAQ**
**What charges is Sean Higgins facing in the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?**
Sean Higgins is charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter, two counts of vehicular homicide, evidence tampering, and leaving the scene of an accident.
