The person accused of inflicting the dying of NHL all-star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother in a suspected drunk driving incident has been revealed to be a US military veteran.
The motive force, recognized as 43-year-old Sean Higgins, of Woodstown, is a area artillery officer assigned to the New Jersey Military Nationwide Guard, Joint Pressure Headquarters, in response to ABC Information 6.
Higgins is a part-time conventional drill standing guardsman and was not on obligation on the time of the incident. He’s suspected of being intoxicated and stays in custody on the Salem County Correctional Facility, in New Jersey. He has been charged with two counts of dying by auto.
“We’re profoundly saddened by this tragedy,” stated Colonel Yvonne L. Mays, Appearing Adjutant Basic of New Jersey. “Our hearts exit to everybody affected, and we share within the grief of the Gaudreau household.”
The New Jersey Military Nationwide Guard didn’t remark additional on Higgins’ service.
Higgins additionally labored at a rehab facility referred to as Gaudenzia, which stated that he had been instantly positioned on depart following the lethal incident. “We lengthen our sympathies to the Gaudreau household throughout this extremely troublesome time,” the ability stated in a press release.
Gaudreau, the 31-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger and his 29-year-old youthful brother, Matthew, have been of their hometown of Salem County, New Jersey, when the crash occurred.
The incident occurred round 8.30 pm. on Thursday August 29, when Higgins tried to cross a automotive however hit the pair as they have been biking alongside County Route 551 in Oldmans Township. Each males have been pronounced lifeless on the scene.
That they had been in Salem County for his or her sister’s wedding ceremony, which was resulting from happen the next day.
In accordance with the police affidavit, obtained by ABC, the trooper who arrived on the scene detected a “sturdy odor of alcohol,” and Higgins allegedly informed the trooper he had consumed “5 to 6 beers” earlier than the crash.
Higgins additionally allegedly informed investigators that he thought the motive force of the SUV was attempting to cease him from passing. Higgins informed investigators that his consumption of alcohol contributed to his impatience and reckless driving, in response to the legal criticism.
Witnesses informed police that they noticed Higgins approaching them from behind, including that he gave the impression to be touring at a excessive pace.
Gaudreau, often known as “Johnny Hockey,” performed 11 seasons within the NHL. Whereas he was about to start out his third season with the Blue Jackets, the star had performed his first 9 seasons with the Calgary Flames.
The 31-year-old scored 243 objectives all through his profession, racked up 743 factors, performed 763 video games, and was a seven-time All-Star.
After the pair have been recognized on Friday morning, the Blue Jackets posted a web based tribute: “The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.
“Johnny was not solely a terrific hockey participant, however extra considerably a loving husband, father, son, brother and buddy.”
In an Instagram publish, Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, thanked her husband for “one of the best years of my life.”
“Regardless of dropping you, I’m nonetheless the luckiest lady on the planet to have been yours,” she wrote. “I really like you so, a lot. You have been excellent.”
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