Lawyers Claim Suspect Not Drunk in Gaudreau Brothers Crash Case

Sean Higgins accused of hitting NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while intoxicated in 2024.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 1:20am

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Lawyers for Sean Higgins, the driver accused of hitting and killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in a 2024 crash, claim Higgins was not driving under the influence of alcohol. Higgins is charged with multiple counts including reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter, but his lawyers say he has a history of aggressive driving and was not as intoxicated as initially reported.

Why it matters

The Gaudreau brothers were beloved hockey players, and their deaths sparked outrage in the sports community. This case raises questions about drunk driving laws, road safety, and whether the charges against Higgins are appropriate given the new claims from his lawyers.

The details

Authorities allege Higgins was impaired after drinking beers the night he drove into the brothers' bicycles, and that he has a history of road rage and aggressive driving. However, Higgins' lawyers claim he was not as intoxicated as initially reported, and they have submitted details of a counterplea offer to the state that is still being reviewed.

  • The crash occurred in August 2024.
  • Last year, the defense unsuccessfully tried to have other charges in the case dismissed.
  • A pretrial hearing on the case is scheduled for April 14.

The players

Sean Higgins

The driver accused of hitting and killing NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in a 2024 crash. Higgins is charged with multiple counts including reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter, but his lawyers claim he was not as intoxicated as initially reported.

Johnny Gaudreau

An NHL player who was killed in the 2024 crash along with his brother Matthew.

Matthew Gaudreau

The brother of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau, who was also killed in the 2024 crash.

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What they’re saying

“'I've been drinking beers,' Higgins told police before performing field sobriety tests. In the video, Higgins stated he had about 'five or six' beers starting around noon on the day of the crash.”

— Sean Higgins

“'I haven't had one in like two hours,' he can be heard saying to troopers on the side of the road.”

— Sean Higgins

What’s next

A pretrial hearing on the case is scheduled for April 14, where more details about the counterplea offer and the charges against Higgins are expected to be discussed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities around drunk driving charges and the need for thorough investigations, as Higgins' lawyers claim he was not as intoxicated as initially reported. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for drunk driving laws and road safety policies.