News Summary
Xavier Rigby, a 22-year-old from St. Petersburg, faces DUI manslaughter charges after a hit-and-run that killed Kjersten Strang, a local cyclist. Rigby allegedly struck Strang while driving recklessly and continued to drive with her on his windshield. Police found him shortly after, showing signs of impairment. He is facing multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a fatal crash. The community mourns Strang, remembered as a loving mother.
St. Petersburg – Xavier Rigby, a 22-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter following a tragic hit-and-run incident in Gulfport, Florida, that resulted in the death of a local woman. The incident occurred on Saturday night, at approximately 10:08 p.m., as Rigby was allegedly operating his 2021 Nissan Altima recklessly.
According to police reports, Rigby was traveling south on 49th Street, nearing 10th Avenue S., at a high rate of speed when he struck Kjersten Strang, a 38-year-old woman from St. Petersburg, who was riding her e-bike in the curb lane. The collision was severe enough to cause Strang to be thrown from her e-bike and onto the windshield of Rigby’s vehicle, which he did not stop to address.
Instead of calling 911 or waiting for first responders, Rigby continued to drive for approximately eight blocks with Strang still attached to his windshield. Tragically, Strang was eventually dislodged from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. This behavior exemplifies a blatant disregard for human life, raising serious concerns about public safety.
Shortly after the incident, law enforcement located Rigby at 2222 49th Street South in St. Petersburg. Officers reported that Rigby exhibited signs of impairment. He refused to cooperate with field sobriety tests, indicating a potential awareness of his own non-compliance. As a result of his actions, Rigby now faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, vehicular homicide while leaving the scene, and DUI manslaughter.
In court proceedings, Judge Elizabeth H. Zuroweste denied bond on two of the charges, citing Rigby’s potential danger to the community. For the DUI manslaughter charge, the bond was set at $750,000, reflecting the serious nature of the offense and the loss of life involved.
It is important to note that Rigby is not new to legal troubles. His criminal record includes a prior charge for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage and a previous DUI that was reduced to reckless driving. Additional charges against him include driving on the wrong side of a divided highway and having an open container in a motor vehicle, further illustrating a pattern of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel.
As for Kjersten Strang, she is remembered fondly by her family and friends, who described her as an angel and a loving mother. The community mourns the loss of a cherished member, with many struggling to comprehend the sudden and tragic nature of her death.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities sifting through evidence and statements related to the incident. Updates are expected as the case continues to unfold, prompting discussions about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers in the community.
This incident underlines the serious consequences of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash. It raises awareness about the need for stricter measures to ensure road safety and protect vulnerable road users, such as cyclists. The repercussions of Rigby’s actions will not only affect his life but also the lives of those who loved Strang.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Judge Holds Man Accused of Deadly Hit-and-Run in Gulfport Jail No Bond
- Wikipedia: Hit-and-run
- Patch: Cyclist Died After Being Hit By Car in Gulfport, Carried 8 Blocks on Windshield
- Google Search: Hit-and-run Gulfport
- WEAU: Man Drove Nearly 8 Blocks with Woman’s Body on Windshield
- Google Scholar: Hit-and-run Law
- WFLA: Woman Killed in Gulfport Hit-and-Run, Police Say
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Accident
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
