Bodycam Footage Released in Fatal Crash Involving Gaudreau Brothers
Authorities released police bodycam footage Friday evening related to the investigation of a crash that killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in New Jersey.
Sean Higgins, 44, faces charges including aggravated vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter for the incident that occurred on August 29, 2023. According to court records, Higgins's Jeep Grand Cherokee coasted approximately 1,500 feet after impact due to a loss of power. Witnesses reported he was driving aggressively prior to the crash.
Higgins allegedly struck Matthew, 29, and Johnny, 31, while they were bicycling on the shoulder of a road in Oldmans Township. Witness accounts assert that Higgins passed two vehicles that had slowed to give the brothers space, impacting them as they cycled closely together.
Court records show Higgins's blood-alcohol level was 0.087 after the crash, and he admitted to consuming beer before and during driving. He rejected a plea deal that could have resulted in a 35-year prison sentence.
Higgins is scheduled for a testimonial hearing on August 21 and another hearing on September 18, focusing on the initial investigation. His defense is seeking to suppress statements made in police custody, as well as data from his Jeep's automated systems.
Both Gaudreau brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. They were in the area for a family wedding at the time of the crash.