Driver’s Shocking Hit-and-Run Horror

A shocking incident in Florida raises questions about repeat offenders and public safety as an impaired driver continues to drive with a victim lodged in his windshield.

Story Highlights

22-year-old Xavier Omar Rigby struck Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang with his car in Gulfport, Florida.
Rigby allegedly drove eight blocks with Strang’s body lodged in his windshield before dislodging it.
He faces charges including DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of a crime.
Rigby has a history of prior hit-and-run and DUI-related offenses.

Incident Details and Charges

On September 20, 2025, 22-year-old Xavier Omar Rigby allegedly hit 38-year-old Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang with his Nissan Altima in Gulfport, Florida. Strang was riding an E-bike when Rigby, reportedly driving at high speed, struck her, ejecting her onto his windshield. Rigby continued driving for eight blocks until Strang’s body was dislodged. He did not stop or call emergency services and was later arrested at a liquor store.

Single mom killed by alleged drunk driver who drove with her body in windshield before liquor store arrest https://t.co/z0574ctKIc pic.twitter.com/uwYsOqU8Z2

— New York Post (@nypost) September 23, 2025

Rigby faces multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of a crash involving death. The incident has reignited discussions on DUI enforcement and public safety, especially given Rigby’s history of similar offenses. His previous arrests include driving on the wrong side of the road and involvement in a hit-and-run in 2022, with charges reduced to reckless driving.

Background and Public Safety Concerns

The incident occurred in Gulfport, a city known for its mixed-use roads and growing population of cyclists and E-bike users. Florida’s high rate of traffic fatalities involving cyclists, combined with issues in DUI enforcement and plea bargaining, make this case particularly concerning. The time of the crash, around 10:08 p.m., is associated with higher rates of impaired driving incidents.

Rigby’s arrest at a liquor store and refusal to undergo field sobriety tests further highlight the systemic issues in managing repeat offenders. The case has drawn significant media attention, echoing past incidents where impaired drivers continued driving with victims lodged in their vehicles, sparking public outrage and calls for stricter laws.

Impact and Community Response

The tragedy has had a profound impact on Strang’s family, particularly her children, and has galvanized local cycling and safety advocacy groups. There is renewed demand for stricter DUI laws and better enforcement, particularly for repeat offenders. Potential policy changes are being considered regarding E-bike safety and penalties for impaired driving.