News Summary
A 41-year-old man has been charged after a head-on collision in St. Petersburg resulted in the death of an 89-year-old woman. Brett McClelland was allegedly driving under the influence when he lost control and struck a Toyota sedan, causing serious injuries and a fatality. Initial charges of DUI manslaughter have escalated to vehicular homicide, highlighting the serious consequences of impaired driving. The incident has shaken the local community as they mourn the loss of Angel Shihate.
St. Petersburg – A 41-year-old man has been charged with multiple serious offenses following a tragic incident on September 24, during which an 89-year-old woman was killed in a head-on collision. The accused, Brett McClelland, was driving a Subaru Outback westbound on 38th Avenue N when he swerved into oncoming traffic, striking a black Toyota sedan.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of 38th Avenue N and 78th Street N. Upon impact, the driver of the Toyota sustained severe injuries, and unfortunately, the passenger, identified as Angel Shihate, succumbed to her injuries shortly after being transported to the hospital.
After the crash, McClelland was arrested while receiving medical treatment for his own injuries. Initial charges against him included DUI manslaughter and DUI causing serious bodily injury, considering he was reported to be under the influence of alcohol during the collision.
On September 25, police upgraded McClelland’s charges to include vehicular homicide, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury, and felony DUI (third offense). These changes reflect the gravity of the event and emphasize the consequences of impaired driving.
Details of the Crash
The accident unfolded when McClelland lost control of his vehicle and crossed into the opposing lane, resulting in a head-on collision with the Toyota sedan. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports indicate that the impact was severe, leading to significant damage and injuries.
The driver of the Toyota remains hospitalized, battling serious injuries, while the family and friends of Angel Shihate are mourning her passing. Reverberations from the crash extend beyond the immediate victims, affecting the local community that might have known Shihate.
Charges and Legal Implications
The upgraded charges against McClelland highlight the legal repercussions of reckless behavior behind the wheel, especially involving alcohol. DUI incidents often lead to tragic outcomes, which is sadly reflected in this case. By incorporating vehicular homicide into the charges, authorities have indicated their commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions that result in fatalities and serious injuries.
As this case proceeds through the judicial system, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. With McClelland facing significant penalties, including the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, this incident underscores the importance of public awareness about the risks associated with alcohol consumption and driving.
Context of Alcohol-Related Incidents
Nationwide, alcohol-related traffic incidents have become a pressing issue, leading to increased advocacy for stricter laws and better enforcement of existing regulations. Despite ongoing efforts to combat impaired driving, fatal accidents continue to occur, often resulting in tragic outcomes for innocent victims.
In this case, the life of Angel Shihate, an elderly woman with presumably many stories and cherished memories, was cut short due to actions that could have been avoided. The community and local law enforcement urge individuals to always prioritize safety by taking responsible decisions regarding alcohol consumption and transportation.
As this story develops, further updates will be provided outlining the progress of the legal proceedings against McClelland and the community’s response to this heartbreaking event.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: DUI
- WTSP News
- Google Search: impaired driving
- Iontb News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: vehicular homicide
- WTSP News
- Google News: vehicular homicide
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.
