![Sean Higgins]()
More information is becoming available about the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
According to initial reports, Columbus Blue Jackets star forward
Johnny Gaudreau passed away Thursday night at the age of 31 after being hit by a suspected drunk driver while cycling. Johnny was biking near Oldmans Township, New Jersey with his 29-year-old brother, Matthew, who was also struck and killed in the accident.
Gaudreau was the top forward for Columbus, and had been recognized as an All-Star multiple times throughout his storied career. And early this morning, the team posted a heartbreaking tribute to their fallen teammate:
https://twitter.com/BlueJacketsNHL/status/1829484156679520286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1829484156679520286%7Ctwgr%5E1c057a06e47e26509fb1c4a05a0f2f71d10c57d6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiskeyriff.com%2F2024%2F08%2F30%2Ftributes-pour-in-for-nhl-all-star-johnny-gaudreau-who-tragically-passed-away-at-31%2F
As to how the tragedy played out, police say that an intoxicated 43-year-old Sean Higgins was driving north in his Jeep Grand Cherokee when he tried to pass slower moving vehicles ahead of him.
It's believed that Higgins passed the first car, and was trying to pass the second one when the vehicle in front of him moved towards the middle of the road - trying to safely pass two cyclists that were on the side of the northbound lane.
Higgins, driving under the influence, then tried to pass the vehicle in front of him on the right side and hit the Gaudreau brothers. The injuries that both cyclists suffered ended up being fatal.
Police arrived at the scene shortly after, and one officer described Higgins as having "a strong odor of alcohol," and that the drunk driver told the police that he had "five to six beers" before he drove and then ultimately struck the Gaudreau brothers. Higgins also reportedly told police on scene that his alcohol consumption contributed to his impatience and reckless driving.
Higgins was arrested after failing a field sobriety test, and he's since been charged with two counts of death by automobile. He'll be held in the Salem County Correctional Facility until his hearing his held on September 5th.
https://twitter.com/KurtWSYX6/status/1829513558817976512
To add to the devastation, the Gaudreau brothers were set to be groomsmen in their sister's wedding, which was scheduled for tonight. Officials from the church have since made it known that the wedding has been canceled.
Thoughts and prayers out to the Gaudreau family...
