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Jacksonville Man Charged with DUI Manslaughter After Crash

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An abandoned golf cart under a tree symbolizing a tragic incident.

News Summary

Robert Darling, a Jacksonville resident, was arrested for DUI manslaughter following a fatal golf cart crash that resulted in the death of James Higdon last November. Initially not charged, Darling’s arrest came months later when warrants were discovered. He has pleaded not guilty. The incident highlights the tragic consequences of impaired driving.

Jacksonville Man Arrested for DUI Manslaughter Following Fatal Golf Cart Crash

In an unfortunate twist of events in Jacksonville, a local man has found himself facing some serious consequences after a golf cart accident that resulted in tragedy last November. The man, identified as 43-year-old Robert Darling, was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter this past Saturday. The charges stem from a crash that took place on the early morning of November 2, 2023, around 2:30 a.m., in the 1700 block of Talleyrand Avenue.

According to reports, police were alerted to a crash where a passenger had been ejected from the golf cart, leading to life-threatening injuries. The victim, 47-year-old James Higdon, was rushed to UF Health Hospital but, sadly, succumbed to his injuries, being pronounced dead at 10 a.m. that same day. The medical examiner later determined that the cause of death was due to blunt force head injuries.

Initial reports indicated that officers, upon arriving at the scene, suspected the driver of the golf cart, Darling, might have been under the influence. This assumption was reinforced when investigators found a cooler positioned on the rear-facing bench seat where Higdons was sitting next to his fiancée. A tumbler, which was found atop the cooler, was emitting an unmistakable smell of alcohol.

Darling consented to a blood draw during the investigation, but oddly enough, he was neither arrested nor charged at the time of the incident. Fast forward several months, and a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detective stumbled across an active warrant for Darling while checking for arrest warrants. This led to Darling’s eventual arrest at a home on Crystal Springs Road, where he was charged with DUI manslaughter. At this point, it is important to note that Darling has pleaded not guilty and has requested a jury trial.

A Heavy Price to Pay: Jury Awards $30 Million in DUI Crash Case

In another grim tale tied to impaired driving in the Jacksonville area, a jury has awarded $30 million to the family of a fallen JSO bailiff, Cathy Adams, six years after a drunk driving accident claimed her life. The driver responsible, Kim Johnston, had previously been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the DUI manslaughter that led to the tragic accident on Interstate 95. The civil lawsuit named Johnston as solely responsible for making the payment to the Adams family.

On that fateful day in December 2018, Cathy Adams was traveling back to Jacksonville from Orlando when she was caught in the collision with Johnston’s vehicle. Cathy’s husband, Jack Adams, was not spared either, as he sustained severe injuries, including a broken spinal cord that left him temporarily paralyzed. The couple’s children were also affected by the crash, which understandably had a cascading effect on the family.

Johnston’s blood alcohol content was reported at a staggering 0.126 six hours after the crash, which, according to expert analysis, was nearly three times the legal limit at the time the accident occurred. The attorney representing the Adams family stressed the profound implications that come with drunk driving, underscoring the need for awareness and responsibility behind the wheel.

Concerns about whether Johnston could pay the substantial judgment were raised, leading to discussions about a possible lawsuit against her insurance company for the remaining balance owing to the family.

Former Corrections Deputy Gets Eight Years for DUI Manslaughter

In yet another tragic story of driving under the influence, former JSO corrections deputy Cashius Edwards has been sentenced to eight years in prison after his reckless driving led to the death of 32-year-old Chavon Mackey II. The fatal incident took place on November 12, 2023, at the intersection of South Lane and San Juan avenues.

Edwards faced charges of DUI and homicide after causing the deadly crash. Reports indicate that at the time of the accident, he had a breath-alcohol content of 0.195, a staggering reading that clearly indicates significant impairment. Mackey was making a left turn when Edwards, speeding, crashed into his vehicle, leading to Mackey’s immediate death.

During sentencing, Edwards showed remorse and apologized for the pain he caused to Mackey’s family. The impact of this tragic loss resonated deeply through Mackey’s family, who highlighted the important milestones he would unfortunately miss, particularly in the lives of his children.

These stories serve as a stark reminder of the severe repercussions of driving under the influence. The lives affected are irrevocably altered by one moment of poor judgment. It’s a call to everyone to be responsible and think twice before getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Golf Cart Accident Leads to DUI Manslaughter Charges in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Woman Ordered to Pay $30.5 Million for DUI Tragedy

Additional Resources

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