SHOCKING TWIST IN JOHNNY GAUDREAU CASE: DRIVER ADMITS BLOOD ALCOHOL WAS OVER THE LEGAL LIMIT — THEN REJECTS 28-YEAR PLEA DEAL

A stunning development has emerged in the tragic deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew. The New Jersey driver accused in the fatal 2024 crash has acknowledged, through his defense attorney, that his blood alcohol level was at the legal limit or slightly above it — yet he has rejected a plea deal that could have sent him to prison for 28 years.

Sean Higgins, 45, appeared in court on October 19, 2026, as the case moved closer to trial. His legal team had previously challenged the prosecution’s blood alcohol findings, but a defense-commissioned test reportedly returned a result of 0.08%, compared with the prosecution’s reported 0.087%.

Despite this development, Higgins declined the state’s latest plea offer. Prosecutors had proposed a 28-year prison sentence in exchange for guilty pleas to two counts of aggravated manslaughter and a first-offense DWI charge.

The judge warned Higgins that a conviction on the current charges could expose him to a maximum sentence of 91.5 years in prison, with parole eligibility only after serving 68 years.

The tragedy occurred on August 29, 2024, when Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were struck by an SUV while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The brothers were returning from their sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner, just one day before her planned wedding.

Johnny was a beloved NHL player who represented the Columbus Blue Jackets, while Matthew had pursued a career in hockey and worked as a coach. Their sudden deaths devastated their family, friends, teammates and hockey fans around the world.

The defense has also raised questions about the crash scene, including the brothers’ position on the road and whether their bicycles had adequate lighting. Prosecutors maintain that Higgins faces serious criminal charges in connection with the fatal collision. These arguments remain matters for the court to examine.

With jury selection scheduled to begin December 1 and the trial expected to start in January 2027, the case is approaching a critical stage. The decision to reject the plea deal means the legal battle will continue, leaving the victims’ loved ones and the public awaiting answers.

Two brothers lost their lives on the eve of a family celebration. Now, the courtroom will become the next stage in a case that has left a lasting mark on the hockey community.

Sources: New York Post