There is nothing to be viewed as a win regarding the Gaudreau brothers' tragic passing, but some forward movement may come shortly in court for their family. The Gaudreau family filed a motion seeking to block the release of sensitive records related to the brothers' deaths, including 911 calls, photos, autopsy images, and investigative reports. It's not uncommon for media outlets to request such materials, but the family is fighting to keep these details private.
Police notes from the scene surfaced on social media the night of the accident, before confirmations of their death, which outraged fans and supporters. They were really shocked and frustrated about how fast and inappropriately this was allowed to come out. The New Jersey Attorney General is investigating how it happened, pinning suspicion on an employee at the medical examiner's office who was at the site of the crash.
The family is also taking steps to investigate potential negligence, though it hasn't specified who might be at fault. They are retaining a law firm to explore this angle, however, they are keeping the details under wraps for now. In their quest for justice, they're also rather clearly trying to shield the brothers from excessive publicity.
With a judge issuing a temporary ban today, any records related to the accident have been forbidden from release. This is only temporary, but today's hearing could indeed make today's decision more permanent in the sense that the family is asking for privacy. Driver Sean Higgins faced two counts of vehicular homicide and remained in a New Jersey jail. As the case continues to unfold, it's without question that many people will continue following it for some sense of closure. No court decision will ever bring back Johnny and Matthew, but to see justice served might bring a small sense of closure to the grieving family.
Memories of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will no doubt be close to their hearts as the season wears on for the Jackets. So much heartache and devastation surrounding them, and their memory, will survive, and continue to live on the ice and off it.
POLL | ||
Should the Gaudreau family have the right to privacy or should this information be made public? | ||
Right to privacy | 72 | 93.5 % |
Made public | 5 | 6.5 % |
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