News Summary
A 22-year-old man, Xavier Omar Rigby, has been arrested for DUI manslaughter following a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of an e-bike rider, Kjersten Strang. Strang was struck while riding in a curbside lane, and Rigby drove for eight blocks with her body lodged in the windshield before abandoning the scene. He was later found showing signs of impairment. Rigby’s bond was set at $750,000 as concerns about his previous run-ins with the law were raised during his court appearance.
St. Petersburg, Florida – A 22-year-old man, Xavier Omar Rigby, has been charged with DUI manslaughter after a fatal hit-and-run incident involving an e-bike rider. The tragic event unfolded on Saturday night around 10:08 PM when Rigby struck 38-year-old Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang as she rode her e-bike in the curbside lane.
The impact was severe, propelling Strang into the windshield of Rigby’s 2021 Nissan Altima. In a disturbing turn of events, Rigby continued to drive for approximately eight blocks with Strang stuck in the windshield before her body was dislodged and fell onto the roadway. Rigby did not stop to assist or call 911, leaving the scene without reporting the crash.
Emergency responders pronounced Strang dead at the scene shortly after their arrival. The St. Petersburg police later located Rigby about one mile away from the crash site at a liquor store. Upon encountering Rigby, officers noted several signs of impairment, including the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. When asked to participate in a field sobriety test, Rigby refused.
As a result of his actions, Rigby was arrested and subsequently booked into the Pinellas County Jail. He is facing multiple serious charges: leaving the scene of a crash involving death, vehicular homicide leaving the scene, and DUI manslaughter.
During Rigby’s first court appearance, Judge Elizabeth Zuroweste expressed concern about his criminal history. Court records disclose that Rigby had previous run-ins with the law, including a 2022 charge for leaving the scene of a crash and a reduced DUI charge in 2024 that downgraded to reckless driving. He has a pattern of speeding offenses exceeding 30 mph over the limit, and he has completed a DUI school, as well as a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) victim impact panel. Additional past charges against him include driving on the wrong side of a divided highway and possessing an open container in a vehicle.
In light of his criminal record and the serious nature of the crime, Judge Zuroweste set Rigby’s bond at $750,000 for the DUI manslaughter charge. She denied bond for the vehicular homicide charge, labeling him a “danger to the community.”
Kjersten Strang, the victim, was a single mother to a young son. Friends and family remember her as “an angel” and a devoted member of the community. Following her untimely death, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to provide support for Strang’s family during this difficult time.
This incident raises concerns regarding public safety and poses critical questions about the consequences of driving under the influence. Law enforcement is reiterating the importance of responsible driving practices and the dire ramifications that can occur when these rules are ignored.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Woman Arrested for DUI Manslaughter
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence – Consequences
- New York Post: Florida Mom Killed by Alleged Drunk Driver
- Google Search: Drunk Driving Statistics
- WTSP: Drunk Driver Crashes into Pedestrian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- Patch: Cyclist Fatally Struck by Suspected Drunk Driver
- Google News: Hit and Run Incidents
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.
