Accused drunk driver fleeing crash kills woman in head-on wreck, Missouri cops say
An “erratic” driver with breath smelling of alcohol was fleeing the scene of a crash when he struck a woman’s vehicle head-on, Missouri police said.
The woman died May 6, and the driver initially hit suffered over $1,000 in damages to his vehicle, according to St. Louis County Police.
Gavin Kolley, the man accused of striking the two drivers, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, according to court documents filed on May 7.
His attorney information was not listed.
Kolley fled the scene of the initial accident and sped through the streets, running a red light, police said.
He crossed into an opposite lane and struck a woman’s vehicle head on, killing her, the probable cause statement said.
When first responders reached Kolley, they noted the smell of alcohol on his breath and slurred speech, the probable cause said.
He told hospital staff that he was “racing” when the accident occurred and had been taking medicine for alcohol withdrawal, police said.
The driver said he relapsed after receiving treatment for “alcohol-related issues,” the probable cause statement said.
Police obtained a search warrant for Kolley’s blood, but results were not included in court documents.
Kolley is held in jail on a $100,000 bond, according to court records.
This story was originally published May 8, 2025 at 2:35 PM with the headline "Accused drunk driver fleeing crash kills woman in head-on wreck, Missouri cops say."
