Jane Gaudreau Says 'Some Days Are Very Rough' After Drunk Driver Accused of Killing Sons Johnny and Matthew Pleads Not Guilty

Mar. 15, 2025

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau with mom Jane.Photo:Johnny Gaudreau/Instagram

Johnny Gaudreau/Instagram

Jane Gaudreau, the mother ofthe late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, is speaking out afterthe drunk driver accused of killing them pleaded not guilty.

The mom posted two quotes on her Instagram Stories after Sean M. Higgins pled not guilty in connection toher sons' Aug. 29 fatal bike accidentduring a court appearance on Tuesday, Jan 7. The Gaudreau family was present at Tuesday’s hearing, perNJ.com.

“Sometimes life is hard. Some days are very rough, and sometimes you just have to cry before you can move forward … And that’s okay,” one of the quotes read.

Sean M. Higgins in court on Nov. 12, 2024.Matt Slocum/AP Photo

Matt Slocum/AP Photo

Higgins, 44, is accused of being under theinfluence of alcohol while attempting to pass another vehicle, leading him to fatally strike the brotherswhile they were riding bicycles near their hometown on Aug. 29. Johnny, who played with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets during a 10-year NHL career, and Matthew werescheduled to appear as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding the following day.

Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau.Christian Petersen/Getty; Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty

Christian Petersen/Getty; Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty

Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau.Richard T Gagnon/Getty

Richard T Gagnon/Getty

During Tuesday’s court session, Higgins' defense attorneys claimed that the accident occurred because of “a combination of uniquely unfortunate circumstances unlikely to ever occur again,“the Associated Pressreported.

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State prosecutors at the hearing depicted Higgins, a married father of two, as having a history of road rage and of drinking up to six beers before the crash, reports the AP. Higgins is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday, Feb. 4., per NJ.com.

source: people.com