Lawyers for Sean Higgins, the man accused of driving drunk and killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, argued that he was not above the legal blood alcohol limit at the time of the crash in a South Jersey court on Tuesday. According to Higgins’ defense team, the blood test tak en at the scene of the crash was for plasma and not whole blood. They argued that even though the test said Higgins’ blood alcohol level was .087, his blood alcohol level was actually .075, which is below the legal driving limit in New Jersey. The defense lawyers said they want prosecutors to present the actual blood alcohol level, or dismiss the case. However, Higgins’ lawyers have also presented a plea deal to the state, the details of which are not immediately available. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 14, 2026. The development in the case comes just days after the Gaudreau brothers were honored by the Team USA men’s ice hockey team on the ice after they won the gold medal in Milan on Sunday. The brothers’ parents, widows and children were also in attendance for the game against Team Canada. NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark was able to speak to the family about the emotional moment, which will air on our 11 p.m. newscast and will be added to our app and website. 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics Feb 22 Team USA honors the late Johnny Gaudreau during gold medal celebration New Jersey Apr 15, 2025 Judge rejects defense that Gaudreau brothers contributed to their deaths by cycling impaired The deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau John Gaudreau, 31, and Matthew Gaudreau, 29, were killed in a crash that happened as they were riding their bikes north on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at 8:19 p.m. Officials said at that time they were struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was headed north on County Route 551, driven by Sean Higgins according to investigators. Court documents note that Higgins tried to pass two vehicles ahead of him and entered the southbound lanes. An SUV in front of Higgins moved to the middle of the roadway, splitting the north and south lanes in order to safely pass the Gaudreau brothers as they rode their bikes on the right side of the road, court documents claim. Higgins then tried to pass the SUV on the left side shoulder, admitting in a recording played in court that he thought the vehicle ahead of him was moving too slowly, and struck the Gaudreau brothers, police believe. Both brothers died from injuries they suffered in the crash. Also, court documents claim, a trooper at the scene determined that Higgins’ breath smelled like alcohol, and he is alleged to have admitted to drinking five to six beers prior to the crash. Investigators also said Higgins – who was employed at a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment center at the time – failed a sobriety test. Higgins has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, reckless vehicular homicide and other offenses in the deadly crash. ...read more read less