Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang, 38, killed by motorist, reports say

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GULFPORT, Fla. (DailyKenn.com) — A 38-year-old St. Petersburg woman was killed Saturday night when a speeding driver struck her electric bicycle in Gulfport, then drove for eight blocks with her body lodged on his windshield before fleeing the scene, authorities said.

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Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang, 38, was reportedly riding her light blue Velotric e-bike southbound in the curb lane of 49th Street South near 10th Avenue South around 10:08 p.m. when 22-year-old Xavier Omar Rigby, driving a 2021 Nissan Altima at high speed, hit the rear tire of her bike, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. The impact ejected Strang onto the vehicle's windshield, where she remained attached as Rigby continued driving south for approximately eight blocks. She was dislodged near 22nd Avenue South and pronounced dead at the scene from her injuries.

Rigby, who showed signs of impairment including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, the odor of alcohol and unsteady gait, was located by St. Petersburg police shortly after at a nearby address on 49th Street South. He refused field sobriety tests and was arrested without incident. Authorities said the e-bike was equipped with a functioning headlight.

Rigby faces felony charges of DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and vehicular homicide while leaving the scene. He was denied bond on two counts and held on $750,000 bond for the third, with nine prior traffic violations since April 2020, including speeding and reckless driving.

Strang, born Nov. 21, 1986, and a resident of 5145 Fifth Ave. South in St. Petersburg, was remembered by family as a vibrant mother who had recently turned her life around and loved cycling for its freedom. "Heaven gained one of the most beautiful angels who loved life to the fullest," her aunt and godmother posted online Sunday. "She was just getting her life back together when a drunk driver struck her while she was riding her bike in Gulfport."

The Major Accident Investigation Team is leading the probe, which remains active. Gulfport police and fire crews responded to reports of the crash near Tangerine Avenue. Investigators urged witnesses to come forward.

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