A woman in Deerfield Beach is dead following a motorcycle crash with another driver who is believed to have been intoxicated, according to local sources. Florida authorities have confirmed the death of the 58-year-old woman, who was killed on Nov. 20. The other driver involved, an 81-year-old man from Boynton Beach, has been released on his own recognizance ahead of a trial date. He faces a DUI charge with more potential charges forthcoming.
According to the accident report, it appears the 58-year-old woman was traveling southbound on Federal Highway around 6 p.m. when the accident occurred. The 81-year-old man was attempting to navigate a left-hand turn, entering the intersection at the same time as the motorcycle. The resulting collision severely injured the motorcyclist, who was rushed to a local medical center. She was pronounced dead sometime later.
Officers on the scene said they could smell alcohol on the older driver, who also reportedly had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. He was unable to complete a roadside sobriety test, but he told officers he had consumed only one drink during dinner. He also purported to have had the right-of-way by virtue of a left turn arrow at the intersection. Police are still following up with witnesses to determine the veracity of his claim.
If he is found guilty of the DUI charge, he could lose his license and face fines or even jail time. However, the burden of proof lies with Florida prosecutors who will have to provide solid evidence of his alleged intoxication to the court if they are to win a conviction. His criminal defense attorney will carefully review any and all evidence the prosecution wishes to bring before the court as part of building a defense against the charges.