Former Mardi Gras Queen killed in weekend crash in Mobile

UPDATE (4:59 p.m.): It has been confirmed that the woman accused of killing 38-year-old Katherine Ashley Smith, was intoxicated prior to the accident. The preliminary finding suggests that she was intoxication was the reason for the crash.

She allegedly ran at least one stop sign and we were told that a cup with alcohol residue was found after the collision.

Spencer Stickland, the woman Mobile Police officials said was driving the pickup that collided with Smith’s car, has been charged with manslaughter. Her bond was set at the maximum amount, of $30,000.

Strickland’s arraignment is set for Tuesday, Sept. 10, where she will make her plea and her preliminary hearing will be set.

The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association told us that her kindness, grace and strength have left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.

“Day in and day out, she lives a wonderful beautiful abundant life. Her family was blessed to have her,” said MAMGA Public Information Officer, Marcus D. Catchings.

UPDATE (3:09 p.m.): The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association has released a statement about Katherine Smith, a former MAMGA queen who died in a weekend crash.

“Katherine’s presence in this world was truly special, and her legacy will continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her,” MAMGA said in the statement.

“Her kindness, grace, and strength have left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.”

UPDATE : A former Mardi Gras queen was killed after a weekend crash in Mobile.

38-year-old Katherine Smith was on Airport Boulevard around 12:30 Sunday morning when another driver struck her SUV.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Smith was the 2017 Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Queen and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Spencer Strickland is in Mobile Metro Jail as of Monday morning charged with manslaughter

ORIGINAL STORY:

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A woman is charged with manslaughter after a deadly two-vehicle crash early Sunday morning. 37-year-old Spencer Strickland was booked into Mobile County Metro Jail.

Police say Strickland was driving a pickup truck on Airport Boulevard at about 12:30 Sunday morning. The report says Strickland ran a red light at McGregor Avenue and her pickup collided with an SUV as the victim was trying to drive across Airport Boulevard.

The crash killed 38-year-old Katherine Smith. Police say Smith was dead at the scene.  Police were at the scene for hours gathering evidence. We’ll continue to update this story as we get more information.

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