Police in New Jersey have arrested and charged a 43-year-old driver in deaths of Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau on Thursday night.
Earlier on Friday morning, it was announced that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, a former minor pro player, have passed away after being struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver while they were cycling.
After the passing of the Gaudreau brothers was announced, New Jersey state police confirmed that they have charged a man, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, with two counts of driving under the influence and death by auto.
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New Jersey state police say that Higgins was under the influence when he attempted to overtake two vehicles in front of him on County Route 551. Higgins passed by a slower-moving Sedan and then initially went tried to overtake an SUV on the left side, but was then blocked as that SUV moved close to the middle line to give space to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were on their on their bicycles.
Higgins then went to pass the SUV on the right side and that's when he tragically struck Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, police say regarding the incident which occurred last night around 8:30 pm ET.
"Police say 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, of Woodstown, New Jersey, was traveling north on County Route 551 in a Jeep Grand Cherokee when he allegedly attempted to pass a slower-moving sedan and SUV.
Police say Higgins entered the southbound lanes of the roadway, and passed the sedan.
When he attempted to reenter the northbound lanes, police say the SUV in front of him moved into the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes in order to safely pass two bicyclists on the right side of the road.
Higgins then attempted to pass the SUV on the right and struck the Gaudreau brothers from behind, troopers said." 6ABC said.
The thoughts of everyone here at Canucks Daily continue to be with Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's family, friends and teammates at this difficult time.
