Kjersten Strang is a dedicated mother to a young son, frequently sharing photos of him on her social media pages. Her final post on Facebook is a heartfelt message to her son, stating, “As long as I’m living, my baby, you’ll be loved” and “I’ll love you forever.”
Kjersten’s friends describe her as an “angel” and have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral costs, intending to donate any remaining funds to Kjersten’s mother, Elaine.
Kjersten met a tragic fate while lawfully riding her ebike in the designated “bike lane” in Gulfport, Florida, at about 10 pm on a Saturday night.
Unfortunately, a driver of a Nissan Altima was breaking every road rule and was being driven by a repeat offender, Xavier Rigby.
Suddenly, Rigby collides with Kjersten from behind at high speed, hurling the 38-year-old mother into the air and causing her to land forcefully on Rigby’s windshield, becoming trapped in the shattered glass.
Many would expect the perpetrator to stop and offer assistance, but Rigby does not; he continues driving as though there is not an injured woman on his windshield.
Police at the scene observe several signs of impairment in Rigby, including the odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, unsteady movements, and slurred speech. Rigby refuses to take a roadside sobriety test, prompting police to arrest him and take him to the Pinellas County Jail. Rigby faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving death, vehicular homicide leaving the scene, and DUI manslaughter.
More shocking details surface after Rigby’s arrest, unveiling his previous extensive criminal driving record that includes a previous hit-and-run with DUI charges as well.
Unfortunately, the state reduced that DUI to a lesser charge of “reckless driving.” His driving record also cited several traffic infractions, one being speeding more than 30 miles per hour over the speed limit.
During Rigby’s first court appearance, the judge had strong words for him, calling Rigby a “danger to the community,” and not only did this second DUI kill somebody, but also he dragged their body while fleeing the scene and did not bother to stop to render them aid.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Additional Guests
- Lisa Miller – Mother of Samantha Miller, who was killed by a drunk driver on the day of her wedding, April 28, 2023, in Folly Beach, South Carolina
- Joseph Low – Trial attorney and Founder of the Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, one of the few attorneys who practice in military, state and federal courts. Former U.S. Marine. Website: attorney4people.com, Instagram: josephlowesq
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo: Kjersten Strang/Facebook]
