A Florida man is accused of driving his Tesla at 90 mph while drunk and slamming into a woman riding an electric scooter — killing her before fleeing the scene and crashing into a utility pole, authorities said.
Background
The crash killed Delinda Ronette Heinrich, 64, who was riding her scooter in the right lane on State Road 16 shortly before 7:30 p.m. July 8, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Heinrich died at the scene.
After the collision, Kevin Alan Hoffman, 59, allegedly sped away from the crash site. He then lost control of his Tesla and struck a utility pole, flipping the vehicle and seriously injuring himself, officials said. Hoffman was hospitalized and later transferred to a rehabilitation facility before being arrested upon release.
Deputies had earlier tried to approach Hoffman after an employee at a Circle K reported a suspicious person inside a black Tesla. When a deputy walked up to the vehicle, the driver sped out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed, according to the sheriff's office.
Court records show Hoffman recently completed probation in a separate case stemming from a March 2025 arrest on a DUI charge, which was reduced to reckless driving. His probation ended June 1 — about a month before the fatal crash.
The Charges
Hoffman faces one count each of driving under the influence causing death, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of a crash involving death in connection with Heinrich's killing, according to Florida Highway Patrol.
He was traveling about 90 mph in a 45-mph zone when his Tesla struck Heinrich's scooter. His blood alcohol concentration measured 0.212 at the time — nearly three times Florida's legal limit of 0.08, investigators said.
Heinrich's mother, Betty Moore, told WJXT she has been waiting for someone to be held responsible. "I lost my daughter, my friend. I lost a piece of me that I'll never get back," Moore said. She added that her daughter was wearing a helmet and obeying the law when she was struck.
Key Takeaways
- Heinrich, 64, died at the scene after being hit from behind on SR 16.
- Hoffman allegedly fled before crashing into a utility pole, seriously injuring himself.
- His BAC measured 0.212 — nearly three times Florida's legal limit of 0.08.
- He faces charges for DUI causing death, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
What's Next
The Florida Highway Patrol said its investigation is ongoing. It was not immediately clear when Hoffman would appear in court.