The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a devastating hit-and-run crash that left 38-year-old Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang dead late Saturday night, September 20, 2025, in Gulfport.
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According to the agency’s Major Accident Investigation Team, the incident happened around 10:08 p.m. on 49th Street South. Detectives say 22-year-old Xavier Omar Rigby was speeding southbound in a 2021 Nissan Altima when he struck Strang, who was riding her electric bicycle in the curb lane.
The collision threw Strang onto the windshield of Rigby’s car. Investigators report Rigby continued driving for nearly eight blocks with the victim on the vehicle before she was dislodged. He did not stop to render aid or contact emergency responders.
First responders arrived to find Strang gravely injured. She was pronounced dead at the scene, despite lifesaving efforts.
A short time later, St. Petersburg police located Rigby at an address on 49th Street South. Officers said he showed signs of impairment and refused field sobriety testing. He was arrested and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on charges of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, Vehicular Homicide Leaving the Scene, and DUI Manslaughter.
Deputies said Strang’s death highlights the deadly consequences of reckless and impaired driving. The crash marks yet another reminder, authorities noted, of the importance of staying alert, driving sober, and remaining at the scene when an accident occurs.
Loved ones described Strang as a vibrant, kindhearted woman whose life was cut short by an act of senseless negligence. Friends and community members are mourning her loss as the investigation continues.
Rigby remains in custody as detectives work to complete their inquiry into the fatal crash.