70-Year-Old Man Killed During Pinellas County Car Crash

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 16, 2021

According to preliminary reports from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, local authorities have arrested a 54-year-old woman whom they believe was under the influence of alcohol when she crashed her vehicle into a 70-year-old pedestrian early Thursday morning.

Although a few details surrounding the fatal pedestrian accident have yet to be determined, detectives working with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department have been able to piece together the chain of events that led to the death of 70-year-old Thomas Rothwell.

It was shortly before 1 a.m. on December 16, 2021, when officers were sent to the scene of an auto accident involving an alleged drunk driver and a pedestrian near the intersection of Park Boulevard and Starkey Road in Seminole. Initial findings indicate that 54-year-old Seminole resident Francine Mashtare was allegedly under the influence of alcohol while driving her 2014 Chevy Camaro in the westbound direction along Park Boulevard. At this same time, 70-year-old Thomas Rothwell, a pedestrian, was on-foot and approaching the intersection of Park Boulevard and Starkey Road. As Rothwell proceeded to walk northbound in the designated crosswalk of the street, Mashtare seemingly appeared out of nowhere and crashed into the elderly pedestrian with her sports car.

Local Pinellas County emergency personnel and sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene of the crash after 9-1-1 dispatch operators received multiple phone calls regarding the shocking collision. Upon their arrival, EMTs were able to quickly determine that the 70-year-old had suffered life-threatening injuries during the deadly accident and had already passed away before medical personnel could administer treatment.

Investigators stated that 54-year-old Francine Mashtare was displaying signs of intoxication and impairment when being questioned about the fatal incident. She was arrested and transported to the Pinellas County Jail where she was booked for one count of DUI manslaughter.

Since 1977, Florida auto accident attorney James O. Cunningham has been fighting for the rights of victims who have been seriously injured or killed due to the negligence of a drunk driver. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please submit a quick contact form on our website or call our office today at 877-FL-INJURY to speak with an associate about scheduling an appointment.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.