The alleged drunk driver accused of killing NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother will remain behind bars pending trial, according to reports.
Sean Higgins, 43, is suspected to have been driving under the influence when he fatally struck Johnny, 31, and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, 29, while they were cycling on a rural road in their south New Jersey hometown Aug. 29, the night before they were to serve as groomsmen in their sister's wedding.
Higgins – a married father of two, who allegedly had a BAC level of .087% at the time of the incident – has been charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle, according to prosecutors, the Associated Press reported.
It's unclear if he entered a plea.
Higgins will remain in custody and will be held without bond prior to his next court date on October 15th.
"This is a serious crime," prosecutors said during Higgins' detention hearing Friday, arguing that "impatience, anger and recklessness" led to the Gaudreau brothers' deaths, WCAU-TV reported.
"There simply is no condition that the court can place on Mr. Higgins that is going to control – not only the aggressive driving, but unfortunately the drinking during the driving – getting on the road and having this happen again," said prosecutors, arguing the defendant be held without bail.
Johnny, known as "Johnny Hockey," played 11 professional seasons in the league and was going into his third with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In a statement, the team expressed their shock and devastation over the tragedy.
"Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew. Johnny played the game with great joy, which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets."
During their joint funeral Monday, Meredith eulogized her husband and brother-in-law.
"Everything was always John and Matty," Meredith Gaudreau said, according to the AP. "I know John would not be able to live a day without his brother. He loved him so much."
