A Florida woman faces drunk driving-related charges after police allege she was intoxicated and caused a crash that resulted in the death of a woman and serious injuries to her husband.
The couple and their two teenagers were driving back from Orlando to the Jacksonville area after an evening at the Florida state championship football game. Their daughter was a cheerleader for her high school during the game.
The man, 50, was behind the wheel of their Chevrolet Tahoe with his 43-year-old wife in the passenger seat. Their children, ages 14 and 16, were riding in the back. All four had their seat belts fastened, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Also traveling northbound on Interstate 95 was a 46-year-old woman, who was driving an Acura. The highway patrol said that according to its preliminary investigation, the Acura hit the SUV, which led the Tahoe driver to lose control and cross other traffic lanes. The man’s wife was ejected from the SUV.
Both husband and wife were transported to the hospital in critical condition. The woman died at the hospital after she was taken off life support, but the man was released from the hospital a few days later and sent to a rehab center to continue his healing.
The teens were not injured.
The community has rallied behind the couple, who were devoted to public service. The husband is a Jacksonville sheriff’s officer, and the woman was a court bailiff. Numerous fundraisers have been plans, and funds have been set up to benefit the family.
The Acura driver faces two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury, and a law enforcement official said additional charges could follow. She posted $100,000 bond and was released from bail.
This woman’s legal journey is just beginning. She will need strong legal representation as her case moves forward through the court system.