In a significant development in the case concerning the tragic deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, the accused driver, Sean M. Higgins, 44, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges during a court hearing in Salem County, New Jersey. This plea comes after Higgins turned down a prosecution offer of a 35-year prison sentence as part of a plea deal, which would have included guilty pleas to aggravated manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident.

On August 29, the Gaudreau brothers were riding their bicycles when they were struck by Higgins, who was reportedly driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol level of 0.087, exceeding New Jersey's legal limit of 0.08. Prosecutors have stated that Higgins had been consuming alcohol over several hours and exhibited a history of road rage, driving aggressively moments before the fatal crash. Witnesses indicated that he ignored the cyclists' presence and aimed to pass another vehicle, ultimately veering into the Gaudreaus and causing instant fatalities, as detailed in reports by AP News.

Higgins faces six charges, including two counts of aggravated manslaughter and two counts of reckless vehicular homicide. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison for each manslaughter charge. His legal representative, Matthew Portella, portrays Higgins as a person who "made a horrible decision that night", asserting that he is a loving father. Notably, Higgins remains in custody pending the next court hearing scheduled for February 4, 2025, where potential motions to dismiss certain charges and suppress evidence are expected to be discussed, as per reports from The Guardian.

This tragedy struck just before the brothers were to serve as groomsmen at their sister's wedding, which has since been postponed. The families continue to grieve, with Matthew's widow recently announcing the birth of their first child and Johnny's widow expecting their third child, highlighting the deep impact of this incident on both families, emphasized by coverage from Reuters and CNN.