Accused drunk driver in crash that killed Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau worked at rehab facility
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The man accused of killing Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother last week in a suspected drunk driving incident worked at a drug and alcohol treatment center.
Gaudenzia, a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment and recovery center whose corporate headquarters is in Norristown, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia, confirmed that Sean Higgins is an employee at the facility.
Higgins, 43, is charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter after he struck and killed the brothers late Thursday in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were riding bikes when Higgins hit them from behind while trying to pass two vehicles.
New Jersey State Police said an SUV in front of Higgins moved toward the middle of the road to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers. Higgins went from the left lane after passing one vehicle to the right side of the road to pass the SUV and slammed into the brothers. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
In a criminal complaint, Higgins told police he'd had five or six beers before the crash. He then failed a series of field sobriety tests.
Gaudenzia released a statement on its website and social media channels: “We received the heartbreaking news regarding the tragic crash that took the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, along with the charges brought against Sean Higgins. Mr. Higgins, an employee of Gaudenzia, was immediately placed on leave. We extend our sympathies to the Gaudreau family during this incredibly difficult time.”
According to a LinkedIn profile, Higgins joined Gaudenzia about one year ago and served as director of financial operations. He is also listed as a Major, Adjutant General with the New Jersey National Guard for the past 16 years.
Higgins is being detained at the Salem County Correctional Facility until a detention hearing Thursday.
The Gaudreau brothers were memorialized throughout the weekend, including at Saturday's Ohio State Buckeyes and Columbus Crew games. Tributes to Johnny Gaudreau continue to grow outside of Nationwide Arena and a GoFundMe page to support Matthew's widow, Madeline, who is expecting a child in the next few months, has raised over $500,000.