Clearwater Police continue to investigate a fatal crash involving a motorcyclist that occurred on Gulf to Bay Boulevard near US-19.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:25 a.m. on Sunday, December 4, 2022.
The crash occurred when a westbound Toyota Prius, being driven by 28 year-old Hannah Ray of Clearwater, turned in front of an eastbound motorcycle. She was attempting turn to travel southbound on the US-19 Frontage Road during a time when the access road was closed due to construction work. The path to the turn lane included cones and signs to indicate that the lane was closed for construction.
The 2002 Honda motorcycle then collided with the Prius. The motorcyclist, 32 year-old Jeffrey Conner of Clearwater, was taken to Morton Plant Hospital, where he died.
Police say that Ray exhibited signs of impairment at the scene. The officer observed signs of impairment to include bloodshot, watery eyes and mumbled speech. She was also reportedly observed swaying back and forth along with body and eyelid tremors and has the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her breath as she spoke. She did admit to consuming alcoholic beverages prior to driving according to the arrest affidavit. Results of the blood draw is pending.
Ray was charged with DUI manslaughter. She was booked in to the Pinellas County Jail.