Sean Higgins, a 43-year-old Iraq war veteran, broke down in tears during a court appearance Friday as he was denied bail following a fatal drunk driving accident that killed Columbus Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.

Higgins was found with a blood-alcohol level of 0.087%, just over the legal limit, after admitting to consuming “five or six beers” prior to the crash.

Prosecutors highlighted Higgins’ history of road rage and alcohol problems, stating he displayed aggressive driving behavior immediately before the incident.

Although his attorney noted Higgins has no prior criminal record and argued his emotional comments after the crash were a natural reaction, the judge expressed concerns about Higgins’ recklessness and potential self-harm, leading to the decision to keep him jailed until his trial.

If convicted, Higgins faces up to 20 years in prison, the New York Post has reported.

The tragic accident occurred one day before the Gaudreau brothers were to serve as groomsmen at their sister’s wedding.

Written by B.C. Begley