In a recent ruling, a New Jersey court has confirmed the dismissal of a morgue employee who disclosed confidential details regarding the deaths of hockey star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother. Both brothers tragically lost their lives in a fatal accident last August, allegedly caused by a drunk driver.
The former morgue assistant, Connor McGlynn, who worked at the Gloucester County Medical Examiner’s Office, sent a photograph of his personal notes concerning the Gaudreaus to his hockey teammates. This message was sent the same night the brothers were involved in the catastrophic incident, as reported by the Courier Post.
Unbeknownst to McGlynn, one of the recipients of the group chat shared the sensitive image on social media platforms X and Reddit.
The leaked image contained highly sensitive information, including birth dates, home addresses, detailed descriptions of the crash, and even the cellphone number of the trooper who responded to the scene.
McGlynn faced termination on September 23, 2024, but decided to contest the decision. His appeal led to a hearing conducted by the New Jersey Commission, which concluded with a close 3-2 vote on February 25, reaffirming the decision to terminate his employment. The proceedings were made public last Thursday.
The New Jersey Commission reportedly held a hearing and voted 3-2 on Feb. 25 to uphold his termination. The meeting details were released publicly Thursday.
“McGlynn had no explanation for why he would send the picture in the text, other than that he was in disbelief and acted out of emotion,” the ruling said.
Sean Higgins, 45, is accused of fatally crashing into the siblings while they were riding bikes single-file on the shoulder of a road in Oldsmans Township, NJ, on Aug. 29, 2024.
Prosecutors said his blood alcohol level was allegedly .087 – slightly higher than the Garden State’s .08 legal limit – a finding he is currently challenging in court while awaiting trial.
Higgins, who allegedly told officers he had five or six drinks, had passed slower-moving vehicles when he struck the would-be Team USA forward and his brother, both married dads.
Matthew, 29, and Johnny, 31, had blood alcohol levels of .129 or above. The brothers were in town for their sister’s wedding, scheduled for the following day.
Higgins — who’s previously rejected a 35-year-sentence plea deal — has pleaded not guilty to reckless vehicular homicide, aggravated manslaughter and related charges.
He faces up to 70 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Higgins is due back in court on April 14.
