Full Breakdown
Morgue Employee Termination Upheld After Gaudreau Brothers' Death Leak
3/21/2026, 6:18:02 PM
Overview of the Incident
The New Jersey Civil Service Commission upheld the termination of Connor McGlynn, a former morgue assistant at the Gloucester County Medical Examiner’s Office, for leaking confidential details about the deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The brothers were tragically killed in a traffic accident on August 29, 2024, when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver, Sean Higgins, while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
Details of the Leak
McGlynn, who had a personal connection to the Gaudreau brothers through ice hockey, shared a photo of his private notes regarding the accident in a group chat with friends shortly after the incident. This photo contained sensitive information, including the victims' birth dates, home addresses, and details of the crash. A member of the group chat subsequently posted this information on social media platforms, leading to significant media attention and public scrutiny.
Commission's Ruling
The commission's decision, made on February 25, 2026, was a narrow 3-2 vote to uphold McGlynn's dismissal, rejecting a recommendation for a lesser penalty. The ruling noted that McGlynn had violated a non-disclosure agreement and caused a breach of confidentiality that disrespected the deceased and damaged public trust in the Medical Examiner's Office. Although McGlynn expressed remorse and had no prior disciplinary record, the commission found no mitigating factors to justify his actions.
Legal Proceedings Against Sean Higgins
Sean Higgins, the driver accused of causing the fatal accident, faces multiple charges, including reckless vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter. His blood alcohol level was reported to be .087, above New Jersey's legal limit of .08. Higgins has pleaded not guilty and is currently challenging the evidence against him, including the accuracy of the blood alcohol test. He is scheduled to return to court on April 14, 2026.
Implications of the Case
The fallout from McGlynn's actions has broader implications for the reputation of first responders and the quality of work within the Medical Examiner's Office. The commission emphasized that the leak not only disrespected the victims but also undermined public confidence in the agency's operations. The case continues to draw attention, particularly given the Gaudreau brothers' celebrity status in the sports community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — New Jersey Civil Service Commission ruling
- “Due to the celebrity status of the victims, the social media post resulted in both the officer and the State Police receiving several phone calls from the media,” — New Jersey Civil Service Commission ruling
What's Next
The case against Sean Higgins is set to proceed to a pre-trial conference, where further legal arguments will be made regarding the charges he faces. Meanwhile, McGlynn's termination may be appealed in state court, as he seeks to overturn the commission's decision.
