The man accused of allegedly driving drunk and killing National Hockey League star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, has been identified as an Army officer in the Army Reserves.
Sean Higgins, 43, hit the two men while they were riding bicycles in a Jeep Grand Cherokee when he allegedly attempted to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV.
Higgins is employed at a substance abuse treatment network, headquartered in Pennsylvania, and is also a major in the New Jersey Army National Guard, where he has served since 2008.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were bicycling near their parents’ home Thursday night when they were killed.
They were supposed to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding the next day.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
“We are profoundly saddened by this tragedy,” said Col Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey said. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we share in the grief of the Gaudreau family.”
Police claim Higgins said he thought the driver of the SUV was trying to stop him from passing before he struck the brothers.
Higgins also allegedly admitted his consumption of alcohol contributed to his impatience and reckless driving.
He was charged with two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide and cited for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, possession of an open container, improper passing, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Higgins is being held at Salem County Correctional Facility until a detention hearing on September 5th.
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