Driver Accused in Johnny Gaudreau’s Deaths Rejects 28-Year Plea Deal, Faces Trial in 2027

More than two years after NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, were killed while riding bicycles in New Jersey, the man accused in their deaths has rejected a plea deal that would have sent him to prison for 28 years.

Sean Higgins, 45, appeared in court on October 19, 2026, and declined the agreement offered by prosecutors. If convicted on all six charges, he could face up to 91.5 years in prison. Jury selection is scheduled to begin in December, with the trial expected to start in January 2027.

The brothers died on August 29, 2024, in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, while cycling near their hometown. They were in the area for their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled for the following day.

Johnny Gaudreau, known to hockey fans as “Johnny Hockey,” was 31 and had played in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets. His brother Matthew, 29, was also a former hockey player who later worked as a coach. Their deaths devastated their family, friends and the wider hockey community

Prosecutors allege that Higgins had been drinking before the collision and was attempting to pass another vehicle when he struck the brothers from behind. He faces charges including two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide, evidence tampering and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. These allegations have not yet been tested at trial

The proposed agreement would have required Higgins to plead guilty to two counts of aggravated manslaughter and a driving-while-intoxicated offense in exchange for a 28-year prison sentence. By rejecting it, he has chosen to proceed toward trial, where prosecutors will have to prove the charges against him.

The case has also involved disputes over the circumstances of the crash, including the defense’s arguments about the brothers’ bicycles and the prosecution’s account of Higgins’ driving. A jury will ultimately consider the evidence presented by both sides.

For the Gaudreau family, the upcoming trial represents another major stage in a case that began with the sudden loss of two brothers just before a family wedding. Their deaths have also prompted renewed attention to the devastating consequences of impaired driving.

Source: PEOPLE