Emergency Calls Reveal New Details in Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Case: Updates in the Ongoing Investigation
There have been huge updates in the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragedy, as 911 calls from the scene of the accident have now been surfacing.
Still fresh in the minds of many are the tragic deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matthew. On August 29, in an incident that happened right before the brothers' sister got married, the two brothers were struck and killed by a drunk driver as they rode their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. It was a tragedy that happened on the eve of what was supposed to be a joyful family celebration, in which both Johnny and Matthew were to serve as groomsmen.
As the eulogies and tributes continued to pour in, more information trickled in about the investigation into the accident. It was reported that the driver, Sean Higgins at the time of the accident was speeding more than the legal limit, driving recklessly, and under the influence of too much alcohol. His blood alcohol level was recorded to be 0.087%, over the legal limit. With prosecutors likely to continue gathering information about the collision and Higgins' state at the time of it, the case will likely continue to see courtroom action next month.
The Gaudreau family has also requested 911 calls among other sensitive records be sealed, a request state officials have agreed to, though media outlets have fought to make them public. Media often asks for these recordings to make sure they have the correct information and educate their readers as opposed to sensationalizing the situation.
The Columbus Blue Jackets paid their respects to the brothers after their tragic deaths during their home opener against the Florida Panthers. The teams wore Gaudreau jerseys for pre-game warmups as they raised a banner in Johnny Gaudreau's name. A memorial was also made inside the Nationwide Arena to witness Johnny's legacy which included a faux locker setup, sticks, jerseys, and mementos celebrating Gaudreau. The moment of tribute became very emotional when a video showed the wife of Johnny, Meredith, telling fans to take inspiration from her husband's life rather than dwelling on his loss.
As a further sign of respect for Johnny, the Blue Jackets began the game by taking the ice with only four skaters, leaving his left-wing position open during the opening faceoff before placing the puck at Gaudreau's position after winning the faceoff. Thirteen seconds passed with little noise as the chanting of "Johnny Hockey" cascaded down from the crowd in a touching display of respect toward the fallen star. It was one of those moments: unity and remembering his impact on the ice and in the community.
The Gaudreau family had to go through pain that no one ever deserves, and their wish to have a little bit of privacy needs to be respected. While the court case will continue, it's now time to shift the focus onto the living memories of Johnny and Matthew, the celebration of those close to them, and how two phenomenally great hockey players came into so many lives on and off the ice and changed them forever.
