Who’s Sean Higgins? Details Emerge About Driver Who Killed ‘Johnny Hockey’

Sean Higgins, accused of fatally striking NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau with his car while intoxicated, serves on the National Guard and works at a rehab center.
Higgins was arrested on Thursday on two counts of vehicular homicide after he hit two bicyclists with his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau were pronounced dead at the scene.
Higgins, a 43-year-old Woodstown resident, is being held at Salem County Correctional Facility.
He told an officer he had five or six beers before the crash and he was drinking while driving, according to a criminal complaint. He allegedly failed the field sobriety test.
Gaudreau, 31, was a forward on the Columbus Blue Jackets. His career in the NHL began in 2011 when he was drafted to the Calgary Flames. He was often called “Johnny Hockey.”
Higgins is a field artillery officer assigned to the New Jersey Army National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, a National Guard spokesperson told Newsweek.
He serves as a part-time traditional Drill Status Guardsman, but he was not on duty at the time of the deadly crash.
“We are profoundly saddened by this tragedy,” Col Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we share in the grief of the Gaudreau family.”
Higgins also worked for a network of rehabilitation facilities called Gaudenzia. The organization has locations in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania. Its mission is to support people with substance use disorders and mental health disorders, according to its website.
Gaudenzia confirmed he was an employee and said he was immediately placed on leave in a statement.
“We extend our sympathies to the Gaudreau family during this incredibly difficult time,” the organization said.
Higgins appeared in court via Zoom on Friday. He was also charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, possession of an open container, improper passing and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.
A detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Johnny Gaudreau was married with two children, Noa and Johnny. His wife, Meredith Gaudreau paid tribute to him on Instagram on Saturday.
“Thank you for the best years of my life,” Meredith Gaudreau said. “Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much. You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. 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.”
The brothers were in their native state of New Jersey for their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled to take place on Friday.
In an Instagram story, Katie Gaudreau said her brothers were excited for her to get married.
“When the day comes they are going to be dancing and celebrating more than anyone,” Katie Gaudreau said.
Matthew Gaudreau and his wife Madeline Gaudreau were expecting a child. A GoFundMe for the wife and baby has raised over $550,000 so far.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement early Friday morning after news came out about the passing.
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” Bettman’s statement read. “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”
Columbus put out their own statement about the passing.
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the team said in a statement. “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets.”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he was “heartbroken” by the news.
“The Gaudreau siblings were proud New Jersey natives,” Murphy said. “The two of them discovered their love for hockey in the rinks of South Jersey, and followed their passion up to Boston, where both brothers quickly emerged as star players on the Boston College men’s hockey team.”
Murphy said Johnny Gaudreau “earned the adoration of hockey fans around the world.”
“They all recognized that our beloved ‘Johnny Hockey’ was a star in every sense of the word—both on and off the ice,” Murphy said.
Matthew Gaudreau also continued to pursue the sport after college.
“Matt, for his part, dedicated himself to cultivating the talent of young athletes who shared his passion for hockey. After playing for teams in the AHL and ECHL, Matt returned to South Jersey, and served as the head hockey coach at his alma mater, Gloucester Catholic,” Murphy said.
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