Arrest made in deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
The driver who struck Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew has been arrested and charged by New Jersey state police.
The hockey world is in mourning on Friday after it was announced that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, who was a former minor pro hockey league player, have passed away after being hit by a vehicle while cycling around 8:30 pm ET on Thursday.
New Jersey state police have confirmed details regarding last night's tragedy, saying to 6ABC that they've arrested and charged a 43-year-old driver named Sean M. Higgins with two counts of driving under the influence and death by auto.
According to police, Higgins was under the influence when he attempted to overtake two vehicles in front of him on County Route 551 in New Jersey. Higgins passed the slower-moving Sedan and then initially tried to overtake the SUV on the left side, but was blocked as that SUV moved close to the middle line to give space to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on their bicycles.
Higgins then made the awful decision to pass the SUV on the right shoulder where he struck and killed both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Police say Higgins entered the southbound lanes of the roadway, and passed the sedan.
When he attempted to reenter the northbound lanes, police say the SUV in front of him moved into the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes in order to safely pass two bicyclists on the right side of the road.
Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the Gaudreau brothers from behind, troopers said." 6ABC said.
The thoughts of everyone here at Blade of Steel are with family, friends and teammates of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at this difficult time.
Source: 6ABCNHL player Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew killed after being struck by suspected drunk driver
