Woman, Driving Drunk, Slams Into Vehicle Leading to Death of 25-Year-Old Man

  • Staff Consortium
  • October 25, 2020
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Mugshot of Kaley Lund. By. THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT

ST. CROIX — A 25-year-old man succumbed to injuries sustained during a vehicular accident that occurred early Sunday, after a woman who was driving drunk crashed into his vehicle, police spokesman Toby Derima has announced.

According Mr. Derima, at approximately 1:11 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched officers to Queen Mary Highway, in the vicinity of the Sunshine Mall shopping center, in reference to an auto accident.

An investigation into the accident revealed a silver 2020 Hyundai Elantra was heading eastbound, while a gray 2014 Jeep Wrangler was heading westbound. The Jeep Wrangler crossed into the eastbound lane, causing a head-on collision with the Hyundai Elantra.

The male driver of the Hyundai Elantra, identified as 25-year-old Marvin Barton, succumbed to his injuries on the scene. A female passenger in the vehicle was also injured in the accident, and was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.

The female driver of the Jeep Wrangler, identified as Kaley Lund, age 27 of Estate St. Georges, appeared intoxicated at the scene. She was given standardized field sobriety tests, which she failed. She was arrested as a result, charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, manslaughter and driving without a driver’s license.

Lund was unable to post $25,000 bail, and was turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending her advisement hearing.

St. Croix District Chief of Police Sidney Elskoe reminded the community that driving after consuming alcohol is dangerous, and can cause injury or death to yourself or others. “If you decide to drink, do not drive. Have a designated driver, or find a ride home,” Chief Elskoe said.

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