Gulfport witnessed a tragic incident late Saturday night when Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang, a 38-year-old cyclist, was fatally struck by a vehicle in a crash that has since sparked an intensive investigation by the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT). The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reports that on Saturday, at around 10:08 p.m., Xavier Omar Rigby was driving a 2021 Nissan Altima down 49th Street when the collision occurred.
According to the official statement from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Rigby was speeding southbound approaching 10th Avenue South as Strang rode her E-bike in the curb lane of the same street. The impact of the crash caused Strang to be ejected from her bike only to land on the vehicle's windshield. Rigby then continued to drive for an estimated eight blocks, with Strang tragically attached to the vehicle, before she was dislodged. Rigby did not stop to call 911 or wait for authorities.
The aftermath of the collision left Strang pronounced dead at the scene, a tragedy that resonates through the Gulfport community. Rigby, however, was later located by the St. Petersburg Police Department at 2222 49th Street South in St. Petersburg. Police noted Rigby showed signs of impairment, and despite his refusal to cooperate with field sobriety tests, was arrested. The charges laid against him include Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, Vehicular Homicide Leaving the Scene, and DUI Manslaughter. He is currently held at the Pinellas County Jail, as reported by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
