Mugshot of Johnny Gaudreau’s killer released

Earlier on Friday, the NHL and the Columbus Blue Jackets shared the devastating news that forward Johnny Gaudreau his brother, 29-year-old Matthew Gaudreau have died. Details emerged on what took place and unfortunately, it is all because of one man and his decision to get behind the wheel under the influence.

The Gaudreaus were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in Salem County, New Jersey, police said. They were riding their bikes north on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township on Thursday at 8:19 p.m. At the same time, Sean Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee north on County Route 551, according to investigators.

According to the police report, Higgins tried to pass two vehicles ahead of him and entered the southbound lanes, police said. An SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes in order to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers as they rode their bikes on the right side of the road, according to investigators.

Higgins then tried to pass the SUV and struck the Gaudreau brothers, police added. Both brothers died from their injuries.

The mugshot of Higgins, who was charged with two counts of death by auto and is currently lodged in the Salem County Correctional Facility, has been released.