Driver charged in death of Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau had BAC above legal limit | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

A prosecutor announced that the driver accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew as they rode bicycles in New Jersey had a blood alcohol level of 0.087 percent, higher than the state’s legal limit of 0.08 percent, the Associated Press reported.

Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, died after being struck by a vehicle in Carney’s Point, New Jersey, on August 29, the night before they were to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding.

The driver was identified as 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, New Jersey, and has been charged with two counts of manslaughter, along with reckless driving, possession of an open container and alcohol in a motor vehicle.

During Friday’s virtual hearing, Higgins’ defense attorneys argued that he was a married father and law-abiding citizen before the crash, but a judge ordered him held in custody for trial anyway. He faces up to 20 years in prison, which the judge said makes him a flight risk.

According to the complaint, Higgins failed a field sobriety test, told police he had consumed five or six beers that day and admitted to drinking alcohol while driving. Prosecutors said Higgins also had a history of road rage and aggressive driving, and his frustration allegedly prompted him to speed to pass two drivers on the right when he eventually struck the Gaudreau brothers.

“He indicated he didn’t even see them,” said District Court Judge Michael J. Silvanio, who added that Higgins’ “impatience” led to two deaths.

Johnny Gaudreau played 10 full seasons in the NHL and was entering his third year with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew Gaudreau was also a professional hockey player in the ECHL.

Widows Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, both pregnant, spoke at the brothers’ double funeral on Monday.