FORT GRATIOT TWP. (WWJ) – A Tennessee man is facing charges after allegedly driving drunk and causing a crash that claimed the life of a Port Huron Northern High School teacher.
Ashley Nisbett, 33, died Tuesday night of her injuries sustained in the crash on Lakeshore Drive in Fort Gratiot Township last week, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.
Justin Simon, who was released from the hospital Sunday after being treated for his own injuries sustained in the crash, was arraigned Wednesday on one count of operating while intoxicated — causing death.
Simon’s bond was set at $75,000 and the charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
“Ashley’s impact on her school, students, and the community has been felt since the morning of the accident and she will be deeply missed. We are working hard with the Prosecutor’s Office at this time to ensure justice is served,” St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King said, per a press release.
Simon – who had traveled to Michigan to hunt, according to the sheriff’s office – was driving a Jeep Wrangler north on Lakeshore Road around 7:15 a.m. when he crossed the centerline.
Authorities say he first hit a southbound semi-truck, then spun out and was hit head-on by Nisbett’s Chevy Impala. They were both taken to McLaren Port Huron Hospital and she was soon airlifted to McLaren Macomb due to the extent of her injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.
Simon was initially arraigned Tuesday on the charge of operating while intoxicated — causing incapacitating injury and bond was set at $40,000. The charge was amended and bond was increased following Nisbett’s death.
Classes were canceled Wednesday at Port Huron Northern to allow staff and students to mourn. School officials shared a number of resources to help grieving students and staff.