On August 29th, just after 8 p.m., the lives of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were forever changed. In body cam footage released by the New Jersey State Police, the driver who hit them, Sean M. Higgins, repeatedly expressed being "freaked out" and inquired about the men's well-being during a roadside sobriety test.

The Shocking Details of a Fatal Accident and Its Aftermath

Initial Moments and the Driver's State

As the New Jersey State Police conducted a series of tests along Country Route 551 North in Oldmans Township, Sean M. Higgins, 43, of Woodstown, N.J., told the officers that he was "just freaked out." It was revealed that he had had "five or six Miller Lites" since noon that day and had previously been at his home before going to Taco Bell when the accident occurred. His statement about having undergone surgery to his knee the previous Friday and "gimping" around added another layer to the already chaotic situation.

This initial encounter set the tone for the events that followed, as Higgins' state of mind and actions during the roadside test became crucial in understanding the circumstances of the tragic accident.

The Accident and Its Impact

The Columbus Blue Jackets star, Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, were in their hometown to serve as groomsmen in their sister's wedding scheduled for the following day. But that fateful evening, as they were biking, they were hit by Higgins' car. The nine-and-a-half-minute long body cam video captured the gravity of the situation and the confusion that ensued. Higgins' repeated inquiries about the accident and the well-being of those involved showed his initial shock and uncertainty.

The impact of this accident was not only on the Gaudreau brothers but also on their families and the community. It was a tragic event that shook everyone to the core.

The Charges and Legal Proceedings

Later, Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. These charges highlighted the severity of the incident and the consequences that Higgins would have to face. The legal proceedings that followed would determine the outcome of this tragic event and bring some sense of justice to the families affected.

The details of these charges and the legal battle that ensued added another dimension to the already complex story, keeping the public's attention focused on this tragic incident.