The driver charged with the deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother is facing additional charges following a new indictment.

Sean M. Higgins, 44, has been indicted on counts of aggravated manslaughter and other offenses by a Salem County grand jury on December 10. The individual from Pilesgrove, New Jersey, has also been detained on two counts of vehicular homicide since his arrest, which occurred after a crash on August 29 that resulted in the death of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

According to authorities, Higgins’ vehicle collided with the brothers as they were riding their bikes along the narrow shoulder of a rural road in Oldmans Township.

Johnny Gaudreau, aged 31 and a player for the Columbus Blue Jackets, along with his 29-year-old brother Matthew, were declared dead at the scene, which was located only a few miles from their residence in Salem County.

Reports state that Higgins was driving under the influence and overtook another vehicle at high speed just before the crash, according to the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office.

The criminal complaint indicates that Higgins “clearly admitted that his alcohol consumption affected his impatience and reckless driving, leading to the accident.”

Aggravated manslaughter, classified as a first-degree crime, is defined in New Jersey law as causing someone’s death recklessly in conditions that show a severe disregard for human life.

If found guilty, Higgins could face between 10 to 30 years in prison for each count of manslaughter.

The indictment also includes two counts of reckless vehicular homicide, each potentially carrying a 10-year prison sentence.

Moreover, Higgins has been charged with tampering with evidence and fleeing the scene of a deadly incident, according to the prosecutor’s office.

He also faces various traffic violations, including driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.

It’s important to note that these accusations against Higgins are not convictions yet.

An attorney representing Higgins, Richard Klineburger III, was not available for comment.

However, Klineburger issued a statement to other media, asserting that it would be “unfair” to make statements regarding the case until a comprehensive review has been conducted.

“We will share further details and statements in the future as necessary,” he stated.

Higgins is set to appear for an arraignment hearing on January 7 before Superior Court Judge Michael Silvanio in Salem.

(This story was updated to add information.)

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times, and The Daily Journal. Email: Jwalsh@cpsj.com.