Fatal Hit-and-Run in Florida

A tragic incident occurred in Gulfport, Florida, when a 38-year-old woman riding an electric bike lost her life in a hit-and-run collision. Police arrested 22-year-old Xavier Rigby, who is suspected of striking Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang and fleeing the scene.

The accident happened around 10 PM on a Friday night. According to authorities, Strang was riding south on 49th Avenue when she collided with Rigby’s 2021 Nissan Ultima. The impact reportedly sent her onto the vehicle’s windshield; however, Rigby continued driving for about eight blocks before allegedly abandoning the car.

Strang was a mother to a young boy and was pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by local news outlets. Following the crash, Rigby failed to contact emergency services and was captured nearby in St. Petersburg shortly afterward. Upon arrest, he reportedly exhibited signs of impairment and declined to participate in a sobriety test.

Authorities have charged Rigby with several serious offenses, including vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death. A police report obtained indicates that Rigby has a history of traffic violations, including a previous hit-and-run incident in 2022. During his first court appearance, Judge Elizabeth Zrowueste criticized his extensive criminal record, which raises significant concerns leading up to this fatal incident.

In court, the judge highlighted Rigby’s previous DUI arrest, emphasizing the severity of the situation now that it resulted in someone’s death. She expressed her concern, noting that he posed a danger to the community and deemed it necessary to deny him bond on the new charges, setting it at $750,000 for the DUI manslaughter charge.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has yet to comment on the matter following the incident. This case has deeply impacted the community, shedding light on ongoing issues of road safety and impaired driving.