Johnny Gaudreau, a beloved hockey player, was tragically killed in an accident in 2024. The man accused of driving drunk, Sean Higgins, insists he was not over the legal alcohol limit when he struck Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. Now, he’s asking the court to dismiss the charges against him.
During a recent court hearing, Higgins’ attorney argued that a blood test showed his client’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was .075, which is below the legal limit of .08. Higgins, 45, had admitted to drinking that day but now claims that past tests may have skewed the data.
This legal move comes just days after the 2026 Winter Olympics, where Gaudreau would have played for Team USA. The team celebrated his memory by wearing his jersey and dedicating their gold medal win to him and his brother.
According to Higgins’ lawyer, any confusion around the BAC results might have influenced the grand jury’s decision to indict him on multiple charges, including aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide. If convicted, he could face up to 70 years in prison.
Prosecutors argue that Higgins’ BAC was actually .087. They are reviewing the new findings before deciding their next steps, as they prepare for the next court date on April 14. Meanwhile, discussions regarding potential plea deals are ongoing.
Higgins previously tried to claim the Gaudreau brothers were more impaired than he was, which contributed to the tragic accident. The siblings were biking in a single-file line when Higgins hit them on August 29, 2024. They were in town for a family wedding the next day.
Accidents involving drunk driving continue to be a serious issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 29 people die every day in the U.S. due to drunk driving crashes. This highlights the ongoing need for awareness and preventative measures.
Looking back at incidents like this one, we see a pattern of tragedy caused by alcohol-related accidents. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating effects of impaired decision-making.
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