Driver Arrested on DUI Manslaughter Charges After Fatal State Road 16 Crash in St. Johns County

A man has been arrested in connection with a July crash in St. Augustine that killed a woman riding a scooter, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Authorities allege the driver of a Tesla was speeding when he struck the woman and then continued fleeing the scene before crashing his own vehicle. Investigators later determined that his blood alcohol concentration was more than twice Florida’s legal limit, FHP said.

What We Know About the Fatal St. Augustine Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the fatal collision occurred on the evening of July 8, 2026, near the intersection of State Road 16 and U.S. 1 in St. Augustine.

FHP and deputies with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash.

Investigators reported that:

• A Tesla was traveling at what authorities described as a “high rate of speed.”
• The Tesla struck a woman riding a scooter.
• The woman, identified as Delinda Ronette Heinrich, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
• FHP alleges the Tesla driver continued fleeing after the collision.
• The Tesla subsequently crashed.
• The driver was transported to a local hospital.

FHP identified the Tesla driver as Kevin Hoffman.

FHP Says Driver Had a .212 Blood Alcohol Concentration

According to FHP, its investigation determined that Hoffman’s blood alcohol concentration was .212 following the crash.

Florida’s legal blood alcohol concentration limit for most drivers is .08. The level reported by investigators was therefore more than two and a half times the legal limit.

After Hoffman was discharged from the hospital, FHP said he was later taken into custody at his home.

The allegations against Hoffman have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Driver Faces Multiple Criminal Charges

FHP announced Hoffman’s arrest on August 5.

According to authorities, he faces charges of:

• Leaving the scene of a traffic crash involving death.
• Driving under the influence causing death to a human.
• Vehicular homicide.

The criminal investigation will ultimately determine what evidence prosecutors use in pursuing the charges.

Criminal charges arising from a fatal DUI crash can proceed separately from any civil wrongful death case brought by the victim’s surviving family.

Speed and Impairment Can Dramatically Increase Crash Risks

Alcohol can negatively affect judgment, reaction time, coordination, vision, and a driver’s ability to safely respond to changing roadway conditions.

When impairment is combined with excessive speed, the danger can become even greater. Higher speeds reduce the amount of time available to recognize and react to pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, stopped vehicles, traffic signals, and other roadway hazards.

Speed can also substantially increase the force of impact during a collision, potentially making injuries more severe.

In this case, FHP has alleged both a high rate of speed and significant alcohol impairment. The criminal case will determine whether prosecutors can prove those allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Leaving the Scene Can Have Serious Consequences

Florida law generally requires drivers involved in crashes involving injury or death to stop and fulfill certain legal obligations.

FHP alleges that Hoffman continued to flee after striking Heinrich before eventually crashing the Tesla.

In fatal hit-and-run investigations, evidence may include:

• Surveillance and traffic camera footage.
• Witness statements.
• Vehicle damage.
• Crash scene debris.
• GPS or vehicle location information.
• Cell phone records when legally obtained.
• Event Data Recorder information.
• Police body-camera and investigative records.

Such evidence can help authorities reconstruct both the original collision and the driver’s actions afterward.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal DUI Crash

A criminal prosecution and a Florida wrongful death claim serve different purposes.

The criminal case focuses on whether the accused violated Florida law and what criminal penalties should apply. A civil wrongful death case focuses on the losses suffered because of the death and whether another party can be held financially responsible.

If negligence or wrongful conduct causes a death, qualifying surviving family members may have rights under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses related to the final injury.
• Loss of financial support and services.
• Loss of companionship and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors.
• Lost earnings and other estate-related damages where permitted.
• Other damages available under Florida law.

Punitive Damages May Be an Issue in Some DUI Cases

Florida law may permit punitive damages in certain cases involving particularly reckless or intentional misconduct.

Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to compensate victims and families for their losses, punitive damages are designed to punish particularly wrongful conduct and discourage similar behavior.

Whether punitive damages could be pursued following an alleged DUI collision depends on the specific evidence and applicable Florida law. An arrest or elevated blood alcohol concentration does not automatically establish entitlement to punitive damages.

Preserving Evidence After a Fatal DUI Collision

A serious crash involving allegations of intoxication, speeding, and leaving the scene can generate substantial evidence.

Potentially important evidence may include:

• Blood alcohol testing records.
• Toxicology results.
• Event Data Recorder (“black box”) information.
• Tesla vehicle data.
• Surveillance and traffic camera footage.
• Witness statements.
• Crash reconstruction findings.
• Vehicle inspections.
• Photographs and measurements from the scene.
• Medical and emergency response records.
• Evidence documenting the driver’s movements before and after the crash.

Preserving this evidence can be important in both criminal proceedings and any subsequent civil litigation.

Criminal Case and Investigation Continue

Kevin Hoffman has been arrested in connection with the July 8 collision that killed Delinda Ronette Heinrich near State Road 16 and U.S. 1 in St. Augustine.

FHP alleges Hoffman was driving at a high rate of speed when his Tesla struck Heinrich and that he fled before crashing his own vehicle. Authorities further allege his blood alcohol concentration was .212 following the collision.

The charges remain allegations, and Hoffman is entitled to the presumption of innocence throughout the criminal proceedings.

Behind every fatal crash investigation is a person whose family and loved ones are left dealing with an unimaginable loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Delinda Ronette Heinrich as the criminal case moves forward and investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death.