OLDMANS TWP., N.J. — A suspected drunk driver accused of causing a fatal crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, in Salem County remains in custody on vehicular homicide charges.
He told officers he had a few beers.
Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, was identified as the driver involved in the Thursday night crash on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane. Higgins, a field artillery officer with the New Jersey Army National Guard, was off duty at the time of the incident.
Authorities say he attempted to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV in his Jeep Grand Cherokee when the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m.
Higgins, who is a part-time traditional drill status guardsman, was not on duty during the crash.
“We are profoundly saddened by this tragedy,” said Col. Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, in a statement. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we share in the grief of the Gaudreau family.”
In addition to his military service, Higgins works for Gaudenzia, a rehabilitation facility. The nonprofit organization confirmed that Higgins has been placed on leave following the incident.
The crash has prompted an outpouring of grief from the community, with Johnny Gaudreau’s widow paying tribute to him on social media, describing him as “perfect.”
The investigation into the crash is ongoing as Higgins remains detained on the serious charges.
