The suspect charged in the death of former NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, his brother Matthew has pleaded not guilty

A man accused of killing former NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, in his car while they were riding a bicycle pleaded not guilty Tuesday, rejecting a prosecutor’s offer to serve 35 years in prison.

Just one day before their sister’s wedding, the Gaudreau brothers were riding their bikes near their childhood home when they were hit by a car and died on August 29, 2024.

Sean Higgins, 44, was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated murder, vehicular homicide, tampering with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident.

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Police noted that Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of .087, which is above New Jersey’s legal limit for driving, and failed a field sobriety test. Police also said Higgins was speeding, including swerving around multiple vehicles, when he hit the Gaudreaus.

Higgins’ attorneys said in a statement to the New Jersey court that they hope to prove that the incident was not caused by “bad luck” but rather “a combination of unfortunate circumstances that are likely to happen again.”

FLAMES HONOR JOHNNY GAUDREAU THROUGH MONTHS OF NATIONWIDE EMOTION FOLLOWING THE TRAGIC DEATH OF NHL STAR AND HIS BROTHER.

It is not yet clear when Higgins will appear in court next, although the trial is still pending.

The Blue Jackets held a memorial for Gaudreau in their home opener this season, raising a banner with members of the Gaudreau family attending the game and participating in the puck drop. (Photos by Sergey Belski-Imagn)

Johnny spent 11 seasons in the NHL, amassing 743 points (243 goals, 500 assists) over nine seasons with the Calgary Flames and two with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Johnny would begin his third season in Columbus.

The Blue Jackets held a memorial for Gaudreau in their home opener this season, raising a banner with members of the Gaudreau family attending the game and participating in the puck drop.

The Flames followed suit but waited until the Blue Jackets were in town for their game in December with a pregame event that included members of the Gaudreau family.

The banner is raised in memory of Johnny Gaudreau. (Photos by Russell LaBounty-Imagn)

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Matthew was a standout at Boston College during his four years with the program. He played for several teams after his college days, including the New York Islanders’ AHL team, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

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