Madeira Beach — Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a fatal vehicle crash involving a pedestrian that occurred Friday night in Madeira Beach.
According to investigators, the crash happened on January 23, 2026, at approximately 9:01 p.m. A 72-year-old man, identified as Michael Arndt, was walking in a marked crosswalk near the intersection of 150th Avenue and Madeira Way. At the same time, a 51-year-old woman, identified as Vanessa Downs of Clearwater, was driving eastbound on 150th Avenue in the median lane in a 2022 Jeep Wrangler.
Investigators said Downs struck Arndt while he was in the crosswalk, causing him to fall underneath the vehicle.
Arndt was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Authorities reported that Downs showed signs of impairment and performed poorly on field sobriety tests. She was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter, then transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Next of kin has been notified. The investigation remains ongoing.