Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker dies in fatal Norfolk Downtown Tunnel crash.
Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker dies in fatal Norfolk Downtown Tunnel crash.
Fatal Norfolk Downtown Tunnel crash death of Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker – Obituary.
Nearly nine months after the tragic passing of Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker in a wrong-way DUI accident inside the Downtown Tunnel, her family and friends express a sense of relief following the sentencing of the driver responsible.
Dexter Davis, a close friend who regarded Lex as a mother figure, stated, “Justice has been served in the way it was able to be rendered as best as we can make it in this world.” He emphasized Lex’s significance, noting that she was well-known not only within the LGBT community but across various circles, especially in Portsmouth.
The fatal incident occurred on December 30, when Dominique Goodwin, after consuming alcohol, drove the wrong way through the Downtown Tunnel and collided head-on with Lex. Authorities revealed that Goodwin’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit. Following the crash, she fled the hospital but turned herself in almost a month later.
During the court proceedings, Davis observed that Goodwin expressed remorse for her actions. “She looked over and apologized, and you take it where it is,” he said. Goodwin pleaded guilty to aggravated involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years and four months in prison.
Davis described the sentence as a form of grace, acknowledging that while it may not seem sufficient, Goodwin’s life has irrevocably changed. “That young lady is 27 and just lost her life until 40,” he remarked, pointing out that after her release, she will not be able to drive, and her family’s lives have also been impacted.
Looking ahead, Davis aims to collaborate with the City of Portsmouth to prevent such tragedies in the future. He voiced his commitment to ensuring that future victims can be protected from similar incidents, asserting, “Justice isn’t telling victims they need to keep themselves safer; we need to prevent perpetrators.”
This Sunday, the Nationz Foundation Pageant will honor Lex in Richmond. Additionally, the Southeastern Transgender Resource Center is planning an event on November 20, International Transgender Day of Remembrance, to pay tribute to her memory.
Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker dies in fatal Norfolk Downtown Tunnel crash. Fatal Norfolk Downtown Tunnel crash death of Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker – Obituary. Nearly nine months after the tragic passing of Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker in a wrong-way DUI accident inside the Downtown Tunnel, her family and friends express a sense of relief following the sentencing of…
Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker dies in fatal Norfolk Downtown Tunnel crash. Fatal Norfolk Downtown Tunnel crash death of Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker – Obituary. Nearly nine months after the tragic passing of Shelby “Lex” Riddick-Walker in a wrong-way DUI accident inside the Downtown Tunnel, her family and friends express a sense of relief following the sentencing of…