Pickup driver charged with DUI in Clearwater crash that killed motorcyclist

CLEARWATER, FL – The driver of a pickup truck was arrested after police said he struck and killed a motorcycle rider in Clearwater late Saturday night.

According to WTSP, 57-year-old Wilbur Eric French was driving west on the Courtney Campbell Causeway when he turned into the path of the motorcycle at about 11:22 p.m., causing a collision. Police said French had driven around cones that were in place on the causeway at the time.

The motorcyclist, 29-year-old Edward Jimenez of Pinellas Park, suffered fatal injuries.

Police said French showed signs of impairment and was taken to an area hospital. He admitted that he had smoked crack cocaine earlier Saturday and had also left a medical center against the advice of medical personnel after having surgery, according to investigators. He said he had been given narcotics after the surgery.

French, a Clearwater resident, was arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. He was lodged in the Pinellas County Jail.

The eastbound lanes of the causeway were closed from Bayshore Boulevard for several hours after the crash.

If you are dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one due to someone’s negligent actions, Kemp Law Group is the legal partner you can trust to help you navigate the road ahead. Our Clearwater Wrongful Death  Lawyers can help families seek financial support and monetary awards to gain peace of mind and financial stability after their traumatic loss. You can request a free consultation to discuss your case by calling us today at 727-645-0769 or responding in our online chat box.