A 61-year-old Ocala woman who admitted to using alcohol and Xanax before driving was arrested by the Ocala Police Department after causing an accident that led to the death of a motorcyclist.
Shelly Diaz was arrested on Friday, July 2, after Ocala Police Department responded to a crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle on East Silver Springs Boulevard.
The motorcyclist, 43-year-old Christopher Flatt, was traveling westbound at a high rate of speed when Diaz pulled out in front of him, trying to cross SR 40 heading north, according to a Facebook post from OPD.
The motorcycle impacted the vehicle head on and Flat was pronounced dead at the scene.
Diaz showed signs of impairment and was arrested following the performance of field sobriety exercises. She admitted to drinking alcohol and taking Xanax, which she is prescribed.
Diaz is facing a charge of DUI-manslaughter.
Members of the community have taken to social media to offer their condolences and prayers for Flatt, who was a father and fisherman.
“I love you Chris Flatt. I’m going to miss you buddy, you were a great friend. Thank you for everything, RIP,” reads a post from Steve Beebe.
“You continued to inspire me with your unwavering faith in God and how willing you were to give it away to someone in need with no hesitation. Your faith in a power beyond you radiated deeper and farther than you could ever imagine. Thanks so much for loving me and always being kind. If anyone walks with God bro, it’s you,” reads a post from Trenton Venezia.
“Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even certain prescription medications,” reads the the warning from OPD. “A DUI can cost you more than $10,000 in fines and time in jail. It could also cost your, or someone else’s, life.”