Sean Higgins rejects 35-year prison sentence plea deal, pleads not guilty for involvement in Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau's deaths: Report

Sean Higgins has rejected a plea deal that would have sentenced him to 35 years in prison for his alleged involvement in the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.

The incident occurred on Aug. 29, involving his suspected drunken-driving crash while Johnny and Matthew were riding their bicycles in their hometown in Salem County.

According to a report from "The Columbus Dispatch's" Bethany Bruner, during a court hearing on Tuesday, Higgins entered a not-guilty plea, which is a standard procedure to move the case forward.

Prosecutors had proposed a plea deal where Higgins would admit to aggravated manslaughter and leave the scene of a fatal accident involving the Gaudreau brothers.

It would have resulted in a recommended 15-year sentence for each aggravated manslaughter charge and five years for leaving the scene, totaling 35 years. In December, a grand jury had indicted him on six charges, including reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter.

If convicted, Higgins could face up to 30 years for each manslaughter charge. Higgins' legal team will file several motions, including attempts to dismiss some charges and exclude certain evidence. The next hearing is scheduled on Feb. 4.

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Team USA paid special tribute to Johnny Gaudreau

During the 2025 World Juniors, Team USA honored the memory of Johnny Gaudreau by dedicating a stall in their locker room to him and displaying his No. 13 jersey.

Captain Ryan Leonard reflected on Gaudreau's playing style that the team aimed to embody during the tournament:

“Just the way he approached every single game. He was just so calm with every single game. It was just like he was going out there and having fun. We emphasize that a lot out here. Just going out there and having fun and being free. That's really what John did out there,” he said.

After securing back-to-back gold medals, Team USA gathered for a group photo with Gaudreau's jersey, honoring his legacy and providing inspiration to the young competing athletes.