The man charged following the tragic deaths of brothers Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau has made his first appearance in Salem County Court.
Sean Higgins, 43, has been charged with two counts of death by auto, per state police, after he is accused fatally colliding with the Gaudreau brothers on Thursday (August 29).
NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, had been cycling through Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey -- just hours after they had attended a wedding rehearsal for their sister, Katie Gaudreau.
Both brothers were set to be groomsmen as Katie married hockey player Devin Joyce the following day. Due to the tragedy, the ceremony was canceled.
The New York Post reports that Higgins told police that he had consumed "five to six beers" before the fatal crash.
On Friday, Higgins appeared for the first time in Salem County Court - where his reaction to the judge's ruling has angered social media users.
In footage from the hearing, Judge Michael J. Silvanio can be heard telling Higgins that he was to remain held behind bars until his next detention hearing on September 5.
In response, Higgins asks Judge Silvanio: "So... I’m here until Thursday?"
The judge then explains to Higgins that his stay has been extended as a result of the holiday weekend - to which, Higgins sits back in his chair and appears to let out a sigh.
When asked if he had any other questions, he responded: "Not at this time, your honor."
Some social media users said Higgins' behavior showed a "complete and utter disregard" for the loss of life caused by the tragedy.
Higgins is facing two counts of two counts of death by auto.
Following the tragedy, the Gaudreau family has issued a statement.
Issuing the statement through the brother's uncle, Jim, to WBZ-TV reporter Dan Roche, they say: "Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans.
"We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief."
The statement was signed "from all our families and the bottom of our hearts the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families."
A verified GoFundMe page has since been set up to support Madeline and her unborn baby, whose name will be Tripp and is reportedly due in December.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the Gaudreau family and the brothers' loved ones at this time.
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