Florida mom killed by alleged drunk driver: He drove for 8 blocks with her on his windshield

According to Gulfport, Florida, police, an alleged drunk driver hit 38-year-old Kjersten Strang and then drove for about eight blocks with her body lodged in the windshield of his vehicle.

The horrific incident happened around 10 p.m. on the evening of September 20, 2025, in Gulfport. Reports say Strang was riding an E-bike in the curb lane southbound when authorities allege 22-year-old Xavier Omar Rigby drove a 2021 Nissan Altima at high speed, striking the rear of her bike, launching her onto the hood and windshield of his car.

What happened to Kjersten Strang?

After hitting her, police say Rigby did not stop, but continued driving for roughly eight blocks before Strang was dislodged and fell into the road. Strang was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

Strang was a mother who lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. Her loved ones have described her as kind, caring, and deeply devoted to her young son. Her death has sparked grief and calls for safer streets, especially for cyclists and E-bike riders in the area.

The suspect, Rigby, is 22 years old. After leaving the scene, authorities located him a short time later at a liquor store in St. Petersburg, about a mile from the crash location. Police say he showed signs of impairment, including alcohol on his breath, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech, but Rigby refused to submit to field sobriety tests. Rigby now faces DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and related charges.

Rigby’s prior record

At his first court appearance, Judge Elizabeth H. Zuroweste reviewed Rigby’s prior record, which reportedly includes past speeding infractions, a prior DUI (which had been reduced to a reckless driving charge), and other traffic offenses. The judge characterized him as a danger to the community, given both his history and the severity of the latest alleged actions.

The judge has set Rigby’s bond at $750,000 for the DUI manslaughter charge, but for other major charges, including vehicular homicide and leaving the scene involving death, she ordered Rigby held with no bond. Investigations are ongoing, including gathering surveillance video from the area where the crash occurred.