Formal charges filed in deaths of Gaudreau brothers

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The man accused of causing the crash that killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau has been formally indicted in the hockey players' deaths.

A grand jury in New Jersey formally indicted Sean Higgins Wednesday, charging him with two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, fourth-degree tampering with evidence, and second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Higgins was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he hit Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in the Aug. 29 crash. The brothers suffered fatal injuries.

Higgins was initially charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. He remains in custody without bond as of Wednesday. According to police, Higgins' blood alcohol content was 0.087, above the 0.08 legal limit.

The Gaudreaus were in southern New Jersey for their sister's wedding. Investigators said Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were riding their bikes north on County Route 551 in Oldamns Township. Higgins was driving on the same road, and allegedly tried to pass an SUV in front of him, which had moved to the middle of the roadway to safely pass the brothers.

Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," signed with the Blue Jackets two seasons ago and led the team in points. He chose Columbus over larger contract offers because he wanted to raise his family in central Ohio and played 11 seasons with the NHL. Matthew Gaudreau also played hockey professionally before he became coach of Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey in 2022. The brothers have been mourned widely by family, friends and strangers alike.