Driver in Gaudreau Brothers Fatal Crash Seeks Dismissal Based on New BAC Evidence
Sean M. Higgins, the driver charged with causing the deaths of NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, has filed a motion to have his case dismissed based on new blood-alcohol evidence presented by defense experts. The motion was submitted during a virtual court appearance on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, at the Salem County, New Jersey Courthouse.
Defense Claims Blood-Alcohol Level Below Legal Limit
During the hearing, Higgins' lawyer, Richard Klineburger, argued that a defense expert's toxicology report shows Higgins' blood-alcohol concentration was .075 at the time of the crash. This figure is below New Jersey's legal limit of .08, suggesting Higgins was not legally intoxicated when the fatal incident occurred.
Klineburger told Salem County Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio that this discrepancy in blood-alcohol evidence may have "impacted the grand jury" in its decision to indict Higgins on all charges. The prosecution, however, maintains that Higgins' blood-alcohol level was .087, which would place him above the legal threshold for intoxication.
Background of the Tragic Incident
The Gaudreau brothers were killed on August 29, 2024, while riding bicycles on a rural road in Oldsman Township, New Jersey. The two were home for their sister's wedding and were on an evening bike ride when Higgins allegedly struck them while attempting to pass another vehicle.
Higgins faces multiple serious charges including:
- Two counts of reckless vehicular homicide
- Two counts of aggravated manslaughter
- Two counts of evidence tampering
- Two counts of leaving the scene of a fatal accident
If convicted on all counts, Higgins could face up to 70 years in prison. He has already rejected a plea offer of 35 years imprisonment.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Judge Silvanio heard arguments from both the defense and prosecution during Tuesday's hearing but made no immediate decision on the motion to dismiss. The judge will review the conflicting blood-alcohol evidence and legal arguments before ruling on whether the case should proceed to trial.
Higgins' next court appearance is scheduled for April 14, 2026, where further developments in this high-profile case are expected.
Olympic Tribute to the Gaudreau Brothers
The court hearing comes just days after the Gaudreau brothers were honored by the U.S. men's hockey team following their gold medal victory at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Team USA players paid tribute to Johnny Gaudreau by holding his No. 13 jersey during celebration photos with the late hockey player's young children, Noa and Johnny Jr.
This emotional tribute highlighted the ongoing impact of the Gaudreau brothers' deaths on the hockey community and beyond, even as legal proceedings continue to unfold in New Jersey courts.
