Matthew Gaudreau, Johnny Gaudreau Obituary, Death – Suspected Drunk Driver Sean Higgins Charged with Vehicular Homicide
Matthew Gaudreau and Johnny Gaudreau, brothers and victims of a tragic accident, have been identified as the individuals who lost their lives in a suspected drunk driving incident in Salem County.
Sean Higgins, a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, has been charged with vehicular homicide and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
According to authorities, Higgins admitted to consuming a few beers prior to the crash, which occurred on Thursday night on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane.
The incident unfolded when Higgins, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, attempted to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV, resulting in the fatal collision.
Higgins, a field artillery officer with the New Jersey Army National Guard, was off duty at the time of the crash, but his military status has drawn significant attention to the case.
Col. Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating that the National Guard is “profoundly saddened” by the incident.
Higgins is described as a part-time traditional drill status guardsman and is employed by Gaudenzia, a rehabilitation facility that focuses on helping individuals with substance use disorders.
The deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau have sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among fans of Johnny Gaudreau, who was well-known and beloved in the hockey world.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover more details about the circumstances leading up to the collision, and Higgins remains detained, facing charges of vehicular homicide.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the dangers of drunk driving and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families, and the community is left to grapple with the grief and anger that often accompany such senseless tragedies.
