A New Jersey court has reaffirmed the dismissal of a Gloucester County morgue employee who inappropriately shared confidential information about the tragic deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. The case has attracted significant attention due to the sensitive nature of the information shared and the prominence of the victims.
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Connor McGlynn, who had been employed at the morgue for 14 years, was terminated from his position in September 2024, one month after the Gaudreau brothers lost their lives in a tragic biking accident. The court’s ruling, which took place during the last month, concluded that McGlynn had transmitted a message containing private notes about the incident to members of a group chat, including details that were not meant for public consumption.
According to reports from local news outlets including NJ.com and The Courier-Post, McGlynn sent a photo of his notes to his hockey teammates, informing them that he would be unable to attend a game that evening. It was revealed that a fellow group chat member subsequently shared this image on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, without McGlynn’s knowledge.
Administrative Law Judge Allison Friedman, who presided over the case, noted that McGlynn had a personal connection with the victims, having played hockey with them and looked up to them throughout their lives. Despite this connection, McGlynn provided sensitive information, which was determined to have breached the terms of a non-disclosure agreement he had signed. Among the leaked details were not only personal insights but also a private cellphone number belonging to a state police trooper involved in the case.
In her decision, Judge Friedman highlighted that McGlynn did not have a credible explanation for his actions, other than to express that he was in a state of disbelief and acted out of heightened emotion. This lack of foresight regarding the seriousness of his actions ultimately contributed to the court’s decision to uphold his termination.
The Gaudreau brothers tragically died in a biking accident on August 29, 2024, the day before they were to fulfill the role of groomsmen at their sister’s wedding. The accident was attributed to the alleged reckless actions of Sean Higgins, 45, who has been in custody at Salem County Jail since the incident. He awaits trial on multiple charges, including aggravated manslaughter and reckless vehicular homicide.
The Civil Service Commission actively supported the decision to dismiss McGlynn, emphasizing the protection of confidential information and the ethical responsibilities of those working in sensitive roles, particularly within the morgue. The breach of trust in this instance serves as a reminder of the gravity of confidential information and the potential consequences of its misuse.
The fallout from the incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public employees in maintaining confidentiality, especially when tasked with handling sensitive cases like that of the Gaudreau brothers. Authorities continue to stress the importance of safeguarding information to protect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of their families.
As the community mourns the loss of the Gaudreau brothers, the legal repercussions faced by McGlynn serve to highlight the critical need for upholding professional standards within public service roles. The tragic circumstances are compounded by the lack of discretion shown by the former morgue employee, prompting questions about the protocols in place to prevent such breaches in the future.