Hibbing mourns loss of racing supporters, killed by suspected drunk driver
The Iron Range community of Hibbing is mourning the deaths of a local couple who were killed in a car accident Saturday night that was caused by a suspected drunk driver.
Kevin Davey, 51, and Kathy Davey, 45, were killed in the crash. Kathy's 25-year-old daughter, Krista Miller, was injured and taken to a St. Cloud hospital for treatment, according to the Hibbing Daily Tribune.
The Daveys were major supporters of the racing community in the area and were involved with the Iron Range Racing Association and the Hibbing Raceway.
Rudy Aho, president of the Hibbing Raceway, said Kevin Davey used to race at the track, and Kathy was the track's treasurer. They both have sons who race, the Star Tribune reports.
That's what caused them to be in central Minnesota Saturday. The Daveys and their daughter had gone to Sauk Rapids to watch Kathy's son race at Granite City Raceway, according to the Hibbing Daily Tribune.
They were on their way out of town afterward when the crash occurred.
Police say a 22-year-old St. Cloud man was intoxicated and speeding when he "floored it" through a red light at a downtown Sauk Rapids intersection and broadsided the Daveys' car, the Duluth News Tribune reports.
Tom Souvannaphong appeared in Benton County District Court Tuesday, and faces charges of criminal vehicular homicide, criminal vehicular operation, drunk driving and driving without a license – nine charges in all, according to the News Tribune.
As word spread of the Daveys' deaths, family and friends posted condolences on the Hibbing Raceway Facebook page.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Davey - Miller family and friends. We have lost 2 great people who were loved by many and have done a lot for the racing community. They may be gone, but never forgotten. R.I.P. Kevin and Kathy. You were taken far too early."
According to the criminal complaint, three witnesses told police Souvannaphong was driving 50 to 60 miles per hour in the 30 mph zone before the collision.
Souvannaphong told police he had at least three beers at a graduation party before he got behind the wheel. His blood alcohol level measured .101 percent in a breath test he took five hours after the accident, according to the Star Tribune. The legal limit for driving is .08.
The newspaper notes Souvannaphong was convicted on a drunk driving charge in July 2014, and has been ticketed four times for speeding and careless driving in the past six years. He remains in jail on $150,000 bail.
A memorial service for the Daveys is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Hibbing track, according to the raceway's Facebook page. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon, with the service at noon.
