‘Drunk driver’ who ‘killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau & his brother in car crash’ is working at rehab center despite wreck
By Brandon Cruz,
2024-09-01
THE alleged drunk driver who was arrested for killing seven-time NHL all-star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother worked at a rehab center, according to his Linkedin.
The driver , Sean Higgins, 43, has since been placed on leave from his job as a financial operations director for Gaudenzia Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers, the company said in a statement.
Johnny Gaudreau, left-wing for the Columbus Blue Jackets was killed on the eve of his sister’s wedding alongside his brother Rex Features Sean Higgins was arrested and charged as the drunk driver who killed both brothers Reuters
“We received the heartbreaking news regarding the tragic crash that took the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, along with charges brought against Sean Higgins,” the addiction, treatment, and recovery center told The New York Post .
“Mr. Higgins, an employee of Gaudenzia, was immediately placed on leave,” the company said.
“We extend our sympathies to the Gaudreau family during this incredibly difficult time,” the company wrote.
Gaudreau, who played 11 seasons in the NHL as a left-wing for the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, was biking with his brother Matthew on the eve of their sister’s wedding when they were struck by Higgins, who was allegedly driving drunk, killing them both.
The pair were biking around 8 pm when Higgins allegedly struck them both from behind with his car .
Police responded to the crash and detected alcohol on Higgins’ breath.
According to police, Higgins admitted to having about “five or six beers” before the accident.
He was arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide under suspicion of drunk driving and was ordered to be held in jail until his next court date September 5.
Gaudreau leaves behind a wife and two small children.
His brother leaves behind a pregnant wife.
The NHL all-star’s former teammate, Frankie DiChiara, shared a touching final conversation the two had before the tragic accident.
“Matty and I always stayed in touch,” DiChiara said.
“He was one of my best friends,” he said.
DiChiara now coaches a Long Island-based youth Islanders team, which would have competed against the Gaudreauu-led junior team in the same league.
The pair were both excited to reunite as coaches in the same league, he explained.
“He’d been on the road a lot coaching juniors the last few years, and he was excited that this position would have allowed him to be closer to his wife and baby on the way,” DiChiara said.
“Matty was a hell of a hockey player,” he continued.
DiChiara also praised Gaudreau’s brother, Matthew, for his skills on the ice as well.
“Very similar to his brother on the ice, [Matt] was an excellent skater and could see the ice as well as anyone,” DiChiara said.
“He had one of the highest hockey IQs I’d ever been around,” he continued.
This is so sad. Their sister was to be married the next day and leave behind their own wives and children. I hope the drunk driver is given the harshest punishment possible.
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