MADD is devastated and appalled by the alleged drunk driving crash that killed 31-year-old Pro NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his 29-year-old brother Matthew Gaudreau on August 29. Johnny, a beloved winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Matthew were struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bicycles in New Jersey. The Gaudreau brothers, both New Jersey natives, were in town to celebrate their sister’s wedding, where they were to serve as groomsmen on Friday in Philadelphia. The driver who hit the brothers, 43-year-old Sean Higgins, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
The loss of Johnny and Matthew is not only tragic but profoundly heart-wrenching, a senseless act that will forever alter the lives of their family and friends. The pain of losing loved ones so suddenly and violently is unimaginable, leaving a void that can never be filled. MADD stands ready to support the Gaudreau family and all those affected by this terrible tragedy, offering resources to help navigate the overwhelming grief and trauma ahead.
MADD will be following the criminal proceedings of the alleged drunk driver Sean Higgins who was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection with this tragedy. Whatever the outcome of the eventual trial, nothing can ever make the loss of Johnny and Matthew anything but life-shattering to their loved ones.
Impaired drivers endanger not just their fellow motorists, but also the lives of cyclist, pedestrians, and every member of the community who share the road. MADD remains committed to advocating for victims and survivors of impaired driving, ensuring that no family has to face this devastation alone.
Drunk driving has increased by 33% since 2019. Every 78 seconds, someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash. We need a solution to stop drivers from continually making the reckless choice to drive impaired. The key to eliminating this 100% preventable crime lies in lifesaving anti-dash drunk driving auto technology. The HALT Act requires this lifesaving technology to be put into all new cars, which will save more than 10,000 per year.
About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nonprofit leader in a movement to create a world where there are #NoMoreVictims of impaired driving, by working in collaboration with law enforcement to end underage drinking and all drunk and drugged driving. MADD has helped reduce drunk driving by more than 50%, saving more than 475,000 lives. The organization is vocal advocate for tougher sentencing, new laws and new technology, including implementation of the HALT Act. MADD also has provided supportive services to nearly 1 million victims of drunk and drugged driving at no charge through local victim advocates and its 24-hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP.
Media Contact
Katie Alvino, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 877.275.6233, [email protected], https://madd.org.