Prosecutors Seek Exclusion of Gaudreau Brothers’ Blood Alcohol Content in Trial

Prosecutors: Gaudreau Brothers’ BAC Irrelevant in Fatal Crash Trial
By Eric Blum | Updated: 04:02 BST, 10 April 2025

Prosecutors in New Jersey argue that the blood alcohol content (BAC) of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, killed in a 2025 bicycle collision, should not factor into the trial of Sean Higgins, the alleged drunk driver charged in their deaths. Higgins, 44, had a BAC of 0.087—above the legal limit—when his Jeep struck the brothers on August 29.

Though the Gaudreaus’ BACs were higher (0.129 for Johnny, 0.134 for Matthew), Salem County prosecutors insist their sobriety is irrelevant, as witnesses confirmed they were riding responsibly. “The defendant’s actions alone caused this tragedy,” said Assistant Prosecutor Michael Mestern. Witnesses reported Higgins was partially on the roadside grass when he hit the brothers, who were en route to their sister’s wedding rehearsal. The wedding was postponed following their deaths.

[Image: Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau; caption: The brothers were killed the day before their sister’s wedding.]

Higgins claims he did not see the cyclists while attempting to pass another vehicle. Prosecutors allege he consumed 5–6 beers, including two in his car, prior to the crash. His defense team argues excluding the Gaudreaus’ BAC is “premature,” hinting at accident reconstruction evidence. Higgins faces aggravated manslaughter charges, carrying a potential 20+ year sentence.

[Image: Sean Higgins in court; caption: Higgins faces aggravated manslaughter charges.]

The case continues as legal teams debate the role of the victims’ intoxication in shared fault. A ruling on the BAC evidence is pending.

[Image: Memorial at crash site; caption: The collision occurred on a New Jersey roadside.]

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