NHL: Calgary Flames at Columbus Blue Jackets - Source: Imagn — Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed in crash; driver charged with vehicular homicide (Source: Imagn)

Body cam footage of alleged drunk driver's arrest involved in Matthew & Johnny Gaudreau's fatal accident finally released

Modified Dec 07, 2024 11:41 GMT

Police have released body camera footage and 911 calls from the crash that killed Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. The brothers were hit by a car while cycling on Route 551 in Salem County, New Jersey, on Aug. 29. They were set to serve as groomsmen in their sister’s wedding the day after the crash.

Sean M. Higgins, the driver, has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. Witnesses reported the chaotic scene and struggled to find the brothers in the dark. Emergency responders arrived, but both brothers died at the scene.

Higgins, 44, was questioned by police near the crash site. In the body cam footage released by New Jersey State Police on Friday, he admitted to drinking earlier in the day. He told officers he had five or six beers but said he hadn’t had one for about an hour before the crash. Higgins also attempted sobriety tests.

The redacted 911 calls, released on Friday by Salem County, showed the confusion and urgency of witnesses trying to help. Callers described the darkness making it hard to locate the victims, as dispatchers assured them help was on the way.

Prosecutors said Higgins’ blood alcohol level was above the legal limit of 0.08%. Witnesses also reported Higgins driving aggressively before the crash. Investigators say Higgins tried to pass a vehicle on the right and hit the Gaudreau brothers.

Higgins, a major in the New Jersey Army National Guard, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. He is also charged with multiple driving offenses, including reckless driving and driving while intoxicated. Johnny Gaudreau's case remains under investigation.

Calgary Flames honored Johnny Gaudreau on Dec. 3

The Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets honored Johnny Gaudreau before their game at Scotiabank Saddledome. Both teams wore Gaudreau’s No. 13 during warmups. A video tribute played, and the Gaudreau family joined a ceremonial face-off. Players and fans showed their support, with emotional moments on the ice and chants of “Johnny Hockey” from the crowd.

Flames captain Mikael Backlund talked about the emotions on the tribute night.

“There were so many emotions,” Backlund said, per NHL. “We were so excited to see the family, but also so sad. It’s such a tragedy. It’s so many mixed emotions; it’s the first time I’m dealing with it. It’s always good to have teammates that were close to Johnny, too, that we can share stories and connect with each other.”

Johnny’s father Guy, mother Jane, wife Meredith, children, and sisters Kristen and Katie took part in a ceremonial face-off. The night celebrated the life and legacy of Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary.