Ruling Made On Accused Drunk Driver In Gaudreau Brothers' Deaths

The alleged drunk driver accused of killing Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew , was denied bail Friday (September 13) morning.

Sean Higgins , 43, broke down in tears when Judge Michael Silviano ruled that he should remain behind bars. The suspect will be allowed to appeal the decision, but will be ordered to appear in court again next month regardless of the appeal decision, Silviano said.

A Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Higgins struck the brothers while attempting to pass another SUV on the right that had moved over in an attempt to make room for the pedalcyclists in Oldmans Township, which occurred hours before they were set to be groomsmen in their sister Katie 's wedding to hockey player Devin Joyce , according to police. The brothers were reported to have suffered fatal injuries when authorities arrived at the scene.

Johnny Gaudreau was set to enter his 12th NHL season, having previously played for the Calgary Flames before signing with Columbus as part of a seven-year contract prior to the 2022-23 season. The winger, who played for Team USA at five world championships, was an All-Star for a sixth time last season.

The Blue Jackets referred to the Gaudreaus' deaths as an "unimaginable tragedy" in a statement shared on their social media accounts.

"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice," the team wrote. "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. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him."