A tragic crash in Florida has claimed the life of a woman from Speedway, Indiana, leaving her family and community grieving.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call around 9:09 p.m. on March 25 near the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and 44th Avenue in St. Pete Beach. When officers arrived, they found a woman lying near the curb, critically injured after being struck by a vehicle.
The victim was later identified as 56-year-old Pamela Poe. She was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but, despite medical efforts, she passed away days later. Authorities confirmed her death on March 31.
Investigators at the scene recovered vehicle debris, which helped them identify the suspect vehicle as a 2019 Cadillac Escalade. Deputies eventually located the vehicle in a hotel parking lot in Tierra Verde.
When officers made contact with the driver, identified as 43-year-old Margaret Barah Gardner, they observed signs of impairment. Officials stated that she performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was taken into custody.
Gardner now faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, refusal to submit to testing, and leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury.
The case has shaken both the local Florida community and Poe’s hometown in Indiana, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Authorities continue to investigate the incident as her loved ones remember her life and loss.
