Only a few instances in recent NHL history have shaken the community as intensely as the tragedy that befell the Gaudreau brothers on Aug. 29, 2024. While the brothers were simply riding bicycles in their home state, New Jersey, they were hit by a suspected drunk driver. At the time, Johnny Gaudreau was playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matthew Gaudreau had a decorated history playing for the NCAA, EHCL, and AHL before retiring from professional hockey.
It was not just the Gaudreau family that was hit hard, but the entire NHL community and the fans of the sport. Fans are still reeling from the massive loss and have come out fiercely against the perpetrator in recent events.
More Than a Year Later, Fans are Still Unforgiving of Gaudreau’s Perpetrator
Back in Aug. 2024, the Gaudreau brothers were in town for their sister’s wedding. What could have been a sweet family memory to hold on to dearly for years to come took a sinister turn as the two brothers’ lives and illustrious careers were cut short by an instance of reckless driving.
In a recent development, the perpetrator, Sean Higgins, is seeking to have his confession thrown out. “The alleged drunk driver accused of fatally mowing down NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother last year is fighting to keep his confessions to cops the day of the accident hidden at trial,” reported Priscilla DeGregory of the New York Post.
Despite a whole year having passed in the meantime, fans are seething with anger and want Higgins to bear the consequences of his actions. “F**k this f*****g loser I hope he burns in hell. He destroyed multiple families and he took fathers away from their young children,” commented a livid NHL fan.
Another social media user was just as unforgiving in their remark about the perpetrator and hoped for the worst for him. “Need the worst possible things to happen to him INDUBITABLY.”
An X user could not help but express their frustration about the fact that, despite all the back and forth, Higgins is, after all, the reason why Johnny and Matthew are no longer with us today. “Had he not driven erratically, intoxicated AND angry, not crossed over the shoulder to pass the brothers in a hurry (as his time was far more precious than the safety of those sharing the road) Johnny& Matthew would still be alive today. Confession under duress or not, don’t care.”
Had he not driven erratically, intoxicated AND angry, not crossed over the shoulder to pass the brothers in a hurry (as his time was far more precious than the safety of those sharing the road) Johnny& Matthew would still be alive today. Confession under duress or not, don’t care pic.twitter.com/B8Y5zgDwcr
— Kyleigh (@MsUnderstood_23) October 31, 2025
For all that we see and all that we debate, the truth remains that the Gaudreau brothers left behind their families and fans, who will never quite be the same again.
