Drunk driver Sean Higgins remains stone-faced as judge describes how Gaudreau brothers died in accident
SALEM COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: Drunk driver Sean M Higgins, who allegedly struck and killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were cycling along a New Jersey highway on Thursday, August 29, appeared expressionless while the judge was describing how the tragic accident happened.
Upon discovering that he would be held in jail until next week, Higgins looked frustrated.
The accident occurred less than three miles from the Gaudreau family home, just a few hours before Johnny and Matthew were scheduled to be groomsmen at their sister Katie's wedding, reported Daily Mail.
Drunk driver Sean Higgins remains expressionless during court appearance
Sean M Higgins was charged with drunk driving following the tragic incident in Salem County, New Jersey, that claimed the lives of the Gaudreau brothers.
He made his first appearance on Friday, August 31, in Salem County Court, where he was ordered to remain in custody until his next detention hearing on September 5.
1st minute of Court Appearance for #JohnnyGaudreau drunk driver suspect Sean M. Higgins. Unfortunately, he’s only being charged for a max of 10 years of each count of 2 counts of vehicular homicide, he may do guilty plea deal for less jail time. He plans to hire his own attorney pic.twitter.com/8c0IbuDkUe
— John Puck (@johnpuck1992) August 31, 2024
Higgins asked Judge Michael J Silvanio, "So… I’m here until Thursday?" The judge explained that the 72-hour holding period was extended due to the weekend holiday, prompting Higgins to let out a heavy sigh.
Notably, Higgins is facing two counts of second-degree vehicular manslaughter. He remained expressionless as the judge recounted how he killed the two brothers, per the New York Post.
Higgins appeared virtually from jail wearing a dark green jacket with Velcro shoulders and no shirt underneath. He seemed to have a bandage on his wrist. There were no family members present in the courtroom to support him, and he was represented by public defender Cody Dooley.
Johnny Gaudreau's wife pens emotional tribute
Johnny Gaudreau's wife, Meredith, shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband after his tragic demise. She took to Instagram to express her grief and love for Johnny Gaudreau.
She shared two posts featuring a series of pictures that captured their relationship over the years. In the caption, she wrote, "Thank you for the best years of my life. Even though I've lost you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so, so much."
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She added, "I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can’t wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever."
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In another post, she wrote, "The absolute best dad in the world. So caring and loving. The best partner to go through parenthood with. John never missed a single appointment. Was the best at putting the baby to sleep and the Apple of Noa’s eye. I love how much she looks like him. We are going to make you proud. We love you so so so much daddy."
