Suspected drunk driver charged in deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

A New Jersey driver suspected to be under the influence was charged with two counts of death by auto Friday after he struck and killed Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, New Jersey State Police sources confirmed to Daily Faceoff. Johnny Gaudreau was 31 and Matthew was 29.

According to police, Gaudreau and his brother were riding their bikes just after sunset on Thursday evening on a rural two-lane road in Salem County, N.J., when Sean Higgins, 43, attempted to pass two vehicles ahead of him in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Witnesses told police that an SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the two lanes in order to safely pass Gaudreau and his brother on their bicycles, when Higgins allegedly struck the Gaudreau brothers in the right lane while trying to overtake the other vehicles. Both brothers died from their injuries.

Police sources said Higgins was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol but remained at the scene. A warrant was issued for a blood toxicology test and sources said it would take up to 24 hours to confirm he was driving while impaired. Higgins was formally charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, improper passing, as well as having an open container in his vehicle and consuming alcohol while driving. Higgins spent Thursday night lodged in Salem County Correctional Facility and there was no word on when he will be arraigned.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, a former professional hockey player, were cycling a few miles from their family’s home in Salem County. They were scheduled to be groomsmen in the wedding of their younger sister on Friday in Philadelphia.