Johnny Gaudreau Accident: What Happened to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?
The Johnny Gaudreau accident shocked the hockey world in August 2024 when NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were killed while riding bicycles in New Jersey.
The brothers were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township on the evening of August 29, 2024. Johnny was 31 and Matthew was 29.
The crash happened just one day before their sister Katie’s wedding, where both brothers were expected to be part of the wedding party.
Sean M. Higgins, the driver of the Jeep, was arrested and later indicted on multiple charges connected to the brothers’ deaths. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in the legal process.
Here is what is known about the Gaudreau brothers accident, the driver involved, the disputed blood-alcohol evidence and the latest status of the case.
What Happened to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were cycling north on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, at about 8:19 p.m. on August 29, 2024.
According to investigators, Higgins was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee in the same direction when he attempted to pass two vehicles ahead of him.
One of the vehicles reportedly moved toward the center of the road to safely pass the brothers. Investigators allege that Higgins then attempted to pass that vehicle and moved toward the cyclists, striking Johnny and Matthew.
Both brothers suffered fatal injuries in the collision and died at the scene.
The tragedy occurred only hours before the family was due to gather for Katie Gaudreau’s wedding.
How Did Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Die?
The Johnny Gaudreau cause of death and Matthew Gaudreau cause of death were directly connected to the bicycle crash.
Both brothers were riding bicycles when they were struck by the Jeep. Authorities reported that they died from injuries sustained in the collision.
Johnny was 31 years old, while Matthew was 29.
Rather than treating their causes of death as two separate incidents, the key fact is that both brothers were killed in the same Gaudreau brothers crash on August 29, 2024.
Who Hit Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?
The driver identified by investigators was Sean M. Higgins.
Higgins was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee when it struck the Gaudreau brothers. Police said Higgins showed signs of alcohol consumption after the crash and reported that his blood-alcohol level was 0.087%, above New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Investigators also said Higgins told police he had consumed approximately five or six beers before the crash and that he failed a field sobriety test.
Because the criminal case is still pending, Higgins should be described as the driver accused or charged in the Gaudreau brothers’ deaths, rather than as a convicted offender.
Was Sean Higgins Drunk?
Alcohol evidence has become one of the major issues in the case.
Authorities reported that Higgins’ BAC was 0.087%, slightly above New Jersey’s 0.08% legal limit. Prosecutors have argued that he was impaired when the crash occurred.
However, the defense has challenged that evidence.
In February 2026, defense attorneys argued that the original testing involved blood plasma rather than whole blood. According to a defense expert cited in court reporting, a whole-blood test produced a reading of 0.075%, which would be below the state’s 0.08% legal limit.
The defense also questioned how the blood sample was handled and how the 0.087% result was presented to the grand jury.
That dispute does not mean the court ruled that Higgins was below the legal limit at the time of the crash. Instead, it became part of the defense’s challenge to the prosecution’s evidence.
In May 2026, Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio rejected the defense effort to dismiss the indictment, finding no indication that prosecutors intentionally misled the grand jury. The judge said the defense could challenge the evidence and present expert testimony during trial.
What Charges Does Sean Higgins Face?
Higgins faces multiple serious charges in connection with the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
The indictment includes:
- Two counts of reckless vehicular homicide
- Two counts of aggravated manslaughter
- Two counts of tampering with physical evidence
- Two counts of leaving the scene of a fatal accident
If convicted on all counts, Higgins could face up to 70 years in prison, according to court reporting.
Higgins has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors previously offered a plea agreement that would have resulted in a 35-year prison sentence, but Higgins rejected the deal.
Latest Update on the Gaudreau Brothers Case
The most significant recent development came in May 2026, when a New Jersey judge rejected another defense attempt to have the charges dismissed.
Higgins’ lawyers argued that problems with the blood evidence and its presentation to the grand jury undermined the indictment. The prosecution disputed those claims and maintained that there was credible evidence supporting the reported 0.087% BAC result.
Judge Silvanio declined to throw out the indictment, allowing the case to continue toward trial. The defense remains able to challenge the blood-alcohol evidence and other evidence during the proceedings.
The case therefore remains unresolved, and Higgins has not been convicted of the charges against him.
Why Were the Gaudreau Brothers in New Jersey?
Johnny and Matthew were in New Jersey for their sister Katie Gaudreau’s wedding.
The brothers were expected to participate in the wedding festivities when they went for a bicycle ride on August 29, 2024.
Instead, the ride ended in the fatal crash that devastated their family and the hockey community.
The timing made the tragedy particularly painful for relatives and friends who were preparing to celebrate the wedding the following day.
Who Were Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?
Johnny Gaudreau
Johnny Gaudreau was one of the NHL’s most recognizable American hockey players.
Known by fans as “Johnny Hockey,” he spent eight seasons with the Calgary Flames before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was preparing for his third season with Columbus when he died.
Gaudreau was known for his speed, creativity and offensive ability. His NHL career included multiple All-Star selections and a reputation as one of the league’s most exciting smaller forwards.
Matthew Gaudreau
Matthew Gaudreau also played hockey and shared his brother’s connection to Boston College.
Although he did not reach the NHL career Johnny achieved, Matthew remained involved in hockey as a player and coach.
The brothers’ relationship extended beyond hockey. Their shared love of the sport and close family connection became an important part of how teammates, friends and fans remembered them after their deaths.
Hockey World Mourns the Gaudreau Brothers
Johnny’s death sent shockwaves throughout the NHL.
The Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Boston College and players throughout professional hockey paid tribute to Johnny and Matthew following the crash.
Johnny had spent the majority of his NHL career in Calgary before signing with Columbus, making him a beloved figure among fans of both organizations.
Matthew was also remembered throughout the hockey community, particularly for his connection to Boston College and his work around the sport.
Their deaths affected not only professional hockey but also the communities where the brothers grew up and played.
Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Accident Timeline
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| August 29, 2024 | Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were struck while cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. |
| August 29, 2024 | Both brothers died from injuries sustained in the crash. |
| September 2024 | Higgins faced initial charges following the investigation. |
| December 2024 | A grand jury indicted Higgins on multiple charges, including aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide. |
| January 2025 | Higgins pleaded not guilty and rejected a proposed 35-year plea agreement. |
| 2025 | The defense continued challenging evidence and statements connected to the investigation. |
| February 2026 | Defense attorneys challenged the state’s BAC evidence and cited a 0.075% whole-blood reading. |
| May 2026 | A judge rejected another attempt to dismiss the indictment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Johnny Gaudreau?
Johnny Gaudreau was killed in a bicycle crash in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 29, 2024. He and his brother Matthew were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee while cycling.
How did Johnny Gaudreau die?
Johnny died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle.
How did Matthew Gaudreau die?
Matthew also died from injuries sustained in the same bicycle crash that killed his brother Johnny.
Who hit the Gaudreau brothers?
Sean M. Higgins was driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee that struck Johnny and Matthew, according to investigators.
Was Sean Higgins drunk when he hit the Gaudreau brothers?
Authorities reported a BAC of 0.087%, above New Jersey’s 0.08% legal limit. Higgins’ defense has disputed the blood-alcohol evidence, including the testing method and handling of the sample. A defense expert cited a whole-blood reading of 0.075%.
What charges does Sean Higgins face?
Higgins faces two counts each of reckless vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter, evidence tampering and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Did Sean Higgins plead guilty?
No. Higgins pleaded not guilty and rejected a proposed 35-year plea agreement.
Why were Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in New Jersey?
The brothers were in New Jersey for their sister Katie’s wedding. They were killed while riding bicycles the day before the wedding.
The Bottom Line
The Johnny Gaudreau accident was a devastating bicycle crash that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on August 29, 2024.
The driver, Sean Higgins, has been charged with multiple serious offenses and has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors maintain that alcohol impairment and dangerous driving contributed to the crash, while the defense has challenged the state’s blood-alcohol evidence and other aspects of the prosecution’s case.
As of 2026, the case remains unresolved. A judge has rejected efforts to dismiss the indictment, meaning the legal proceedings can continue toward trial.
