Suspected drunk driver who hit, killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau remains jailed pending another hearing

WOODBURY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The driver accused of being drunk when he struck and killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew , last week in South Jersey will spend several more days in jail before a court appearance next week.

Sean Higgins appeared via video before Judge Michael Silvanio in Woodbury on Thursday for a detention hearing. Both the prosecution and defense asked for more time, so Silvanio ordered Higgins to remain in custody and scheduled him to appear again next Friday, Sept. 13.

Higgins, who was a member of the Army National Guard and is currently on leave from his job at an addiction counseling center Gaudenzia, is facing two counts of homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence , and related charges in the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Higgins told police he had five or six beers before he hit them on a Salem County road on Aug. 29 — the eve of their sister’s wedding. Police said Higgins tried to pass two cars ahead of him.

The car in front of him moved to the middle of the road to give room to the Gaudreau brothers, who were riding bikes, but police said Higgins veered right and hit them from behind, killing them.

Gloucester Catholic High School is hosting a vigil for the brothers Friday night, and their funeral is scheduled for Monday at St. Mary Magdalen in Media, Delaware County. The service will also be livestreamed by the Columbus Blue Jackets.