A 25-year-old Martin County resident was sentenced to just over 29 years in prison Friday for killing a cyclist on A1A in June 2024. Elise Elder received consecutive sentences totaling 29 years and one-and-a-half months for her role in the death of 67-year-old Martin Drummond. The court imposed 17 years for fleeing the scene and just over 12 years for DUI manslaughter.
The crash occurred on the morning of June 2024 at approximately 6:45 a.m. on A1A near South Sewall's Point Road. Drummond was riding his bicycle eastbound in the designated bike lane when Elder's 2019 BMW 535i drifted into the lane and struck him from behind. Following the collision, Elder did not remain at the scene. Law enforcement located and arrested her at her residence after identifying her as the driver responsible for the crash.
Drummond was a prominent figure in the Stuart community who served as publisher of a local magazine and held deep respect as a mentor and spiritual leader. His death sent shockwaves through both the cycling community and local business circles, with many mourning the loss of someone who had made significant contributions to the area.
As part of her sentencing, Elder also received one year of probation and a lifetime revocation of her driver's license. The sentencing occurred Friday in Martin County, concluding the case that has drawn significant attention to road safety and the dangers cyclists face on shared roadways.