Salem County, New Jersey – Lawyers for Sean Higgins, the man charged in the deadly crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, argued in court that his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit at the time of the collision. The defense made the claim during a hearing in South Jersey, challenging how prosecutors calculated the alcohol concentration from a blood test taken at the scene.
The case, which stems from a fatal crash in August 2024, continues to draw national attention, particularly as the Gaudreau family was recently honored during an international hockey event.
Incident Overview
The tragic crash occurred on August 29, 2024, at 8:19 p.m. along County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. According to investigators, the Gaudreau brothers were riding their bicycles northbound when they were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Sean Higgins.
Both brothers suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Authorities later charged Higgins with aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide, and additional related offenses.
Defense Argument Over Blood Alcohol Test
During the recent court appearance, Higgins’ attorneys argued that the blood alcohol content (BAC) reading cited by prosecutors may not accurately reflect his legal intoxication level.
According to the defense, the test conducted at the scene measured plasma rather than whole blood. While the plasma test reportedly showed a BAC of 0.087, lawyers contended that when converted properly to whole blood, Higgins’ BAC would be approximately 0.075.
In New Jersey, the legal driving limit is 0.08.
The defense team stated that prosecutors should present the corrected BAC figure or consider dismissing the case if the legal threshold was not exceeded. However, Higgins’ attorneys have also reportedly proposed a plea agreement to the state. Details of that proposed deal have not been publicly disclosed.
The next court hearing is scheduled for April 14, 2026.
Timeline of Events on the Night of the Crash
Court documents outline a sequence of events leading up to the fatal collision.
Investigators allege that Higgins attempted to pass two vehicles traveling ahead of him, entering the southbound lane. An SUV in front of Higgins reportedly moved toward the center of the roadway to safely pass the bicyclists riding on the right shoulder.
Authorities claim Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV by driving onto the left shoulder.
A recording played in court allegedly captured Higgins admitting he believed the vehicle ahead was moving too slowly.
Police believe that during this maneuver, Higgins struck the Gaudreau brothers, killing both men.
Details From Police and Court Records
Court filings further state that a responding trooper at the scene detected the smell of alcohol on Higgins’ breath. Authorities allege he admitted to consuming five to six beers before the crash.
Investigators also reported that Higgins failed field sobriety testing conducted at the scene.
At the time of the crash, Higgins was reportedly employed at a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment center, a detail that has drawn public scrutiny.
Prosecutors argue that the totality of evidence—including driving behavior, alleged alcohol consumption, and field sobriety results—supports the serious charges filed against him.
Public Reaction and Recent Tribute
The legal developments come just days after the Gaudreau brothers were honored by the United States men’s ice hockey team following their gold medal victory in Milan.
Family members, including the brothers’ parents, widows, and children, attended the ceremony during a game against Team Canada. The tribute served as a reminder of the impact the loss has had not only on the hockey community but on fans nationwide.
Legal and Safety Context
In New Jersey, even a BAC below 0.08 does not automatically eliminate criminal liability. Prosecutors can pursue charges if a driver is deemed impaired or driving recklessly, regardless of the precise BAC measurement.
Traffic safety experts emphasize that aggressive driving maneuvers—such as improper passing or using roadway shoulders—can be fatal, especially when bicyclists are present.
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable on rural and county highways where visibility and lane space can vary. State officials regularly remind drivers to slow down, avoid risky passing, and maintain safe distances when sharing the road.
Conclusion
The case against Sean Higgins remains ongoing as legal arguments continue over the accuracy and interpretation of his blood alcohol test results. While the defense claims his BAC was below the legal limit, prosecutors are relying on a broader body of evidence tied to the fatal crash.
With the next hearing set for April 14, 2026, the court will continue examining whether the charges—including aggravated manslaughter—will proceed as filed or be affected by the defense’s BAC challenge.
As the legal process unfolds, the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau continues to resonate deeply within the hockey world and beyond.
If you have thoughts on roadway safety or experiences related to impaired or reckless driving cases, share your experiences in the comments below.
