Sean Higgins Pleads Not Guilty in Death of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Sean Higgins, the man charged with driving under the influence and fatally striking Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew last summer in Salem County, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Higgins, who has remained in the Salem County jail since the late August accident, has been indicted by a grand jury with reckless vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and leaving the scene of an accident.

The 44-year-old Pilesgrove, New Jersey resident allegedly attempted to aggressively pass a slow moving vehicle on Salem County Route 551 when he struck the brothers who were biking on the side of the road. Higgins admitted to New Jersey State Police on the scene he had consumed alcohol and was aggressively driving before the fatal collision.

The Gaudreau brothers were in the area to celebrate their sister’s wedding and were struck near their longtime family home.

The not guilty plea comes after Salem County assistant prosecutor Michael Mestern offered Higgins a plea deal which would’ve put him behind bars for 35-years. Higgins is due back in court on February 4.