The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on May 7 on Gavin Kolley, 37, of Arnold, for killing an Oakville woman in a head-on crash on May 6.

Kolley – charged with first-degree manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident – is being held on $100,000, cash only, no 10% bond.  

The charges are merely accusations. Kolley is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Per a police report, Kolley was traveling eastbound on Meramec Bottom Road and struck Victim No. 1, causing damage in excess of $1,000. 

Kolley fled the accident, continuing to travel eastbound on Meramec Bottom Road, “driving erratic(ally) and at a high rate of speed.” He then drove through a red light at the intersection of Meramec Bottom Road and Lemay Ferry Road before continuing to speed eastbound on Baumgartner Road. 

While driving on Baumgartner Road, Kolley crossed the center lane and struck Victim No. 2 –  now identified as Christine Decker, 57, of Oakville – head-on. Decker was transported to an area hospital for treatment, but later succumbed to her injuries, dying as a result of the crash.

Once at the scene of the crash, emergency medical services made contact with Kolley, observing slurred speech and smelling alcohol on his breath. Kolley stated that he had relapsed again despite taking medicine for alcohol withdrawal. He admitted that he was racing at the time of the accident and that he “did something stupid.” 

The St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are handling this investigation.