A serious accident last Friday ultimately took the life of a Lexington woman who taught at Port Huron Northern High School.
Her death this past Tuesday and the circumstances surrounding it now have St. Clair County prosecutors pursuing charges against an out of state driver.
On Friday, October 20, St. Clair County emergency personnel were dispatched to Lakeshore Road in Fort Gratiot. Authorities allege that a Jeep Wrangler crossed into oncoming traffic on Lakeshore Road that morning, hitting a semi-truck before spinning out and hitting a 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
The Impala was being driven by Ashley Nesbitt of Lexington, as confirmed Wednesday via press release. The Jeep’s driver, 45-year-old Justin Simon of Tennessee, was also injured in the crash, with Nesbitt being airlifted to McLaren Macomb hospital due to her injuries being more extensive.
Simon was released from McLaren Port Huron hospital on Sunday, with him being arrested and lodged at the St. Clair County Detention and Intervention Center. The out-of-state hunter was arraigned earlier on Tuesday, October 24, originally charged with Operating While Intoxicated – Causing Incapacitating Injury and given a $40,000 cash bond.
With the tragic update, the charge has been amended to Operating While Intoxicated – Causing Death. He was arraigned again Wednesday afternoon and has now been given a $75,000 bond, no 10%. This charge is punishable up to 15 years. Simon is due back in court for his probable cause conference on November 7.
Port Huron Northern high school closed for a day of mourning Wednesday, with therapy dogs being provided to students returning to classes today.
