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NHL fans are angry after Sean Higgins, the driver accused of killing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, reacted poorly in court. Johnny, 31, and Matthew, 29, were biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, on August 29 when Higgins, who was allegedly drunk, hit them.
Sports writer @annikadevils posted on X (formerly Twitter) about Higgins' reaction. The NY Post reported that Higgins was upset about being held in jail until Thursday. He sighed heavily and asked the judge:
“So...I’m here until Thursday?”
This reaction upset many fans on social media platform X, who reacted strongly to Higgins's unapologetic behavior despite Johnny Gaudreau and his brother's death.
“Life sentence!” one fan said.
"This is a person whose attitude suggests that drinking and driving is likely a regular occurrence. I would not be surprised if this is NOT his first DUI," another fan said.
Higgins faces charges of death by auto. Here are some more reactions from upset fans:
"Piece of shit. With all the charges, he’s spending the rest of his life in jail and that’s still not enough," one fan said.
"Seems like the kind of hyper-primitive, narcissistic, inconsiderate slimeball that WOULD drive drunk and not care what happened. I agree; lock him up without remembering where the key is," another fan said.
"Sadly he won't get one. If he gets charged with two counts of vehicular homicide (which is very likely), he's looking at 20 to 40 years in jail per New Jersey law," one fan said.
The tragic deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew have deeply affected the hockey community.
Columbus Blue Jackets's statement following Johnny Gaudreau's tragic passing
The Columbus Blue Jackets are deeply saddened by Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew’s death on August 29. The team shared a statement expressing shock and sorrow.
"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew," the statement read (via NHL.com).
They promised to support his family during this time.
Calgary Flames also expressed their sadness. They honored Johnny Gaudreau for his nine years with the team and his role in the Calgary community. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted Johnny’s positive influence and impact on the league.
