In a tragic incident that underscores the dire consequences of impaired driving, a 34-year-old woman, Tamra Warden, has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal traffic collision that claimed the life of 30-year-old Sabrina Rohrback in Central Florida. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest following a meticulous investigation into the accident that occurred on the evening of December 19, 2023, on Harney Road in Thonotosassa, near Tampa.
The incident unfolded at approximately 8:45 p.m., when deputies were dispatched to the scene of a traffic crash at the intersection of Harney Road and Williams Road. Upon arrival, they discovered Rohrback, who had been walking along the northeast shoulder of Harney Road, fatally injured in the roadway. Despite immediate life-saving attempts, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue pronounced Rohrback dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that Warden, driving with a three-year-old passenger, veered off the road onto the dirt shoulder, striking Rohrback with her vehicle. Warden was found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.14, significantly above the legal limit, leading to her arrest on February 5th on charges of DUI Manslaughter, Child Neglect, and DUI Accompanied by a Person Under 18.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed profound disappointment and heartbreak over the incident, highlighting the preventable nature of the tragedy. “This case is disappointing and heartbreaking on so many levels,” Sheriff Chronister stated. “An innocent woman was killed because of someone’s recklessness, and a three-year-old could have been seriously injured. I am proud of the thorough investigation conducted by our detectives and hope that this arrest can bring some source of healing to the family impacted by this tragedy.”
The sheriff took the opportunity to stress the importance of responsible drinking and the critical need for designating a sober driver, utilizing taxi or ride-sharing services, and planning ahead to avoid such needless loss of life. The ongoing investigation by local law enforcement aims not only to bring justice to the victim’s family but also to reinforce the message that driving under the influence is a dangerous and often deadly choice, with far-reaching consequences for all involved.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of DUI on communities and families. It underscores the urgent need for continued education, enforcement, and personal responsibility in preventing DUI-related incidents. As the community mourns the loss of Sabrina Rohrback, the hope remains that this incident will catalyze a renewed commitment to safety and sobriety on the roads, ensuring that such tragedies are avoided in the future.