In a horrifying late August event, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew tragically lost their lives in a devastating accident.

New Jersey authorities recently released distressing 911 audio and bodycam footage from the night that two brothers were killed in a DUI-related hit-and-run, as the New York Post reports.

The incident unfolded on a quiet rural road in Oldmans Township, Salem County, where the brothers had been cycling.

On the evening of Aug. 29, darkness cloaked the area just as disaster struck. The 911 audio reveals distressed callers struggling to locate and assist the Gaudreau brothers, their voices heavy with panic and urgency.

According to authorities, Sean Higgins, 44, was the driver who, while overtaking another vehicle, struck the brothers and failed to stop.

Higgins, significantly impaired after consuming multiple beers, remained at the accident scene, where he was found by state troopers.

Displaying calmness amidst the chaos, Higgins admitted to having just been at Taco Bell and acknowledged drinking "like five or six" Miller Lites.

New Jersey Community Reels from Tragic Loss

The audio tapes released add to the chilling nature of the scene described by witnesses. One caller reported, “I just witnessed a hit and run of two people on bikes,” shortly followed by a dispatch query, “Is anybody hurt?” to which another voice replied, “Yes, they’re both on the ground.” These snippets from the night paint a stark picture of the events that led to this needless tragedy.

Troopers at the scene questioned Higgins about his activities before the accident. When asked where he was before Taco Bell, Higgins simply stated, "At my house," and upon probing about the timing of his last drink, he hesitated and then implied that considerable time had passed. "I mean, what happened?" Higgins asked during the interaction, only to be told, "We’ll talk about that when we get to the station," by a state trooper, prioritizing custody over conversation.

Brothers Honored and Remembered

The fallout from this incident has been widespread. Community members swiftly set up a roadside memorial in honor of the Gaudreau brothers, while a family photograph featuring Johnny with his loved ones circulated widely on Instagram, underscoring the personal loss felt across the community.

Legal proceedings have moved forward; with the court initially restricting the release of the 911 calls and video footage, before being ordered to make them public in October.

Higgins now faces severe legal repercussions. A major in the New Jersey Army National Guard and employee at a substance abuse treatment network in Pennsylvania, Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto and reckless driving among other allegations. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, a grim prospect for someone dedicated to treating substance abuse.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

This incident offers several grave lessons about safety and legal awareness:

1. Never Drive Under the Influence: Always have a designated driver or use public transportation or ride-sharing services when intoxicated.

2. Visibility Matters: Ensure you are visible while biking at night—use reflective gear and lights.

3. Emergency Response: Know how to contact emergency services and provide clear, precise information during a crisis.

While these precautions can mitigate risk, it’s crucial to remember that crime can occur under any circumstances, and victims are never at fault for the actions of others.

Why This Story Matters

The story of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s fatal evening resonates deeply within our community, not only because of Johnny's public figure status but also due to the heart-wrenching impact of DUI crimes. Stories like these reinforce the ongoing issues of road safety and responsible drinking, underscoring the need for stringent enforcement of DUI laws and robust public education to prevent similar tragedies.

The events of that tragic August night, where two lives were lost unjustly, have ignited a discourse on personal and legal responsibility in driving and public safety. Sean Higgins's trial and the detailed media coverage following the release of the incident recordings serve as significant reminders of the consequences of reckless behavior and the preciousness of life.