The Florida Highway Patrol announced that a driver involved in a violent crash on US-19 that claimed the life of an Inverness motorbike rider is being charged with DUI manslaughter.
Melissa Annette Lopez, 25, of Hudson, was driving a Chevy Impala north on US-19 when she turned left at the junction of Sea Ranch Drive on a flashing yellow left signal. According to state police, Lopez struck a southbound 21-year-old guy from Inverness who was on a Kawasaki motorbike when he turned into their path.
After colliding with Lopez’s automobile, the motorbike took fire. After being brought to a nearby hospital, the rider passed away from his injuries sustained in the collision, according to the patrol.
The victim’s name hasn’t been made public by authorities.
Following his arrest, Lopez faced charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI property damage, driving without a licence while a death occurred, and lewd and vulgar behaviour.
The Pasco County Jail is where she is being kept.
