Suspect in Gaudreau accident worked at a rehab facility, employer says

The Salem County man charged with killing brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in a suspected drunk driving incident worked at a local rehab, according to his employer.

Gaudenzia — a drug addiction treatment center in the Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland areas — posted to Facebook on Aug. 31 that Sean M. Higgins was an employee for the facility. Higgins was placed on leave immediately after the incident.

It was not clear whether or not the leave was paid, and comments on the post were limited.

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Higgins is facing two counts of death by auto in relation to the accident that occurred Aug. 29 in Oldmans Township.

Police responding at the scene noted in probable cause documents that Higgins had a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath" and failed a field sobriety test. The affidavit also reported that Higgins told the officer he had consumed five to six beers before the accident.

On Aug. 29, police said, Higgins illegally tried to pass an SUV on the right side of the road, fatally striking the Gaudreau brothers who were riding bikes on the narrow shoulder.

The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene, and Higgins was ordered to remain in Salem County Jail pending his Sept. 5 hearing.

The charges against Higgins are only accusations, as he has not been convicted in the case.

More: Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew killed while riding bikes in SJ. What we know

Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at [email protected]. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Gaudenzia: Sean M. Higgins was a rehab center employee