Home News PBC Sheriff’s Office identifies Martin County Commissioner Smith as driver in fatal crash

PBC Sheriff’s Office identifies Martin County Commissioner Smith as driver in fatal crash

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PBC Sheriff’s Office identifies Martin County Commissioner Smith as driver in fatal crash

Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith was identified as the driver who struck and killed a female bicyclist with an SUV in Palm Beach County on Jan. 16, according to sheriff’s records.

Smith, 60, of Jensen Beach, is the commissioner representing District 1 of Martin County, which includes Hutchinson Island, Jensen Beach, North River Shores, Ocean Breeze, Rio and Sewall’s Point.

Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith

The bike rider died at the scene, according to an incident report. She was not identified and investigators did not disclose her city of residence or age.

Palm Beach County sheriff’s investigators responded to the crash.

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At 6:07 p.m. on Jan. 16, Smith was traveling north in a Toyota 4Runner on the outside lane of the 1900 block of South Military Trail near the intersection of Forest Hill Boulevard when a bicyclist crossed in front of his SUV. The bicyclist was not in a marked crosswalk and had entered the lane in which Smith had the right-of-way, investigators noted.

Smith hit the bicyclist, ejecting her onto the pavement. Emergency responders pronounced her dead on the scene, according to an incident report.

Smith on Wednesday said he was driving with his wife and daughter during the car crash.

“I and my family are deeply saddened of the loss of life and offer our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones,” Smith said. “I’m also saddened at the trauma my young daughter and wife experienced witnessing this tragic accident.”

Smith said he is cooperating with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and he’s waiting until the investigation concludes to share details about the crash.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and there have been no arrests, said Teri Barbera, a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

Barbera said investigations into these types of incidents can take weeks or months, and ultimately the State Attorney’s Office would review the case and determine whether any charges are warranted.