Drunk driver who killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew Gaudreau is US Army major who worked at rehab center

The suspected drunk driver arrested in connection with the deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother has been suspended from his job as a financial officer at a rehabilitation facility, according to a report. Sean Higgins, who allegedly struck and killed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau with his car, worked at a rehabilitation center, the New York Post reported.

“We have received the heartbreaking news of the tragic accident that claimed the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, along with the filing of charges against Sean Higgins,” Gaudenzia Addiction Treatment and Recovery Centers said in a statement on Saturday. “Mr. Higgins, an employee of Gaudenzia, has been placed on immediate leave,” the statement continued.

Suspended from his job

“We extend our condolences to the Gaudreau family during this incredibly difficult time,” the company wrote in a statement to the outlet.

Higgins, 43, of Pilesgrove, New Jersey, a married father of two young daughters, has been employed by a company in Norristown, Pennsylvania, since September, according to his LinkedIn profile. His profile also mentions that he is a decorated major in the U.S. Army who served with the 44th Infantry Brigade in Kosovo.

Higgins was promoted to major during a state leadership visit to the former Yugoslav republic in 2019. During the visit, he and another major thanked their families for their support throughout their military careers.

Police say Higgins was drunk when he struck and killed seven-time All-Star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew while riding bicycles the night before their sister's wedding.

New Jersey State Police said Johnny Gaudreau, 31, a left wing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew were riding bicycles on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township around 8 p.m. when Higgins struck them from behind.

Drunk and out of control

Higgins told police he was trying to pass two other vehicles when he struck the brothers, who were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the criminal complaint.

The officer who caused the crash noticed the smell of alcohol on Higgins' breath, and the driver reportedly admitted to drinking “five or six beers” before the accident, police said.

Higgins was arrested on two counts of vehicular manslaughter and suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and was ordered to remain in custody pending a detention hearing on September 5.

Higgins' LinkedIn profile shows that he most recently served as chief financial officer at Gaudenzia, an addiction treatment facility in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

Higgins also mentioned on LinkedIn that he has been a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard since 2008 and remains active.

A neighbor of Higgins' parents, who wished to remain anonymous, described Higgins to the Washington Post as a “regular guy,” adding that he didn't even recognize Higgins' unusually unkempt appearance in the mug shot when he first heard the news.

“The family are great people. It's sad. I would say it's tragic,” he said.

Both brothers were outstanding hockey players at Boston College, where they were coached by Jerry York.

On Saturday morning, Johnny Gaudreau's widow posted a heartfelt tribute to the late hockey star on social media.

“Thank you for the best years of my life,” Meredith Gaudreau wrote on Instagram.

“Even though I lost you, I'm still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so much,” the grieving wife added.

“You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love everything about you. You are mine forever and I can't wait to be with you again. I love you so much, always and forever.”