OLDMANS TOWNSHIP, NJ – The driver charged in connection with the crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew told police he had consumed five to six beers before the incident, according to documents obtained by FOX 29.

Sean Higgins, 43, has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter in connection with the Thursday night crash that killed Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29.

Investigators said the brothers were riding their bicycles on County Route 551 around 8 p.m. when they were struck by a Jeep Cherokee, which they believe was driven by Higgins.

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Authorities believe Higgins, 43, crossed into the oncoming lane to pass a sedan and drifted back into the right lane. Investigators said the fatal collision occurred when the SUV in front of Higgins pulled into the center of the road to safely pass the two bicyclists and Higgins attempted to pass the SUV on the right.

Sean Higgins, 43, was charged in a crash that killed NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew in Salem County.

According to documents obtained by FOX 29, officers who arrived on the scene noticed the odor of alcohol on Higgins’ breath. At the time, Higgins allegedly stated he had consumed 5-6 beers before the crash.

Higgins subsequently failed a breathalyzer test and was arrested, the documents state.

BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 10: Brothers Johnny Gaudreau #13 and Matthew Gaudreau #21 of the Boston College Eagles celebrate after the Eagles defeated the Northeastern University Huskies to win their fifth consecutive Beanpot Championship in the NCAA hockey competition in

Documents also show that Higgins later “explicitly stated” that his alcohol use contributed to his impatience on the road and his reckless driving.

The tragedy occurred just hours before Johnny and Matthews’ sister, Katie Gaudreau, were to be married in Gloucester City, with a reception to follow in Philadelphia. TMZ reports that the wedding has been canceled.

Johnny Gaudreau, 31, played 11 NHL seasons, including nine with the Calgary Flames. Gaudreau spent the past two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The former Boston College star, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” was originally from Salem, New Jersey and attended Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City.

Matthew Gaudreau played with Johnny at Boston College and Gloucester Catholic. He played for the Worcester Railers in the 2021-2022 season and previously for the Reading Royals.