On Saturday, August 9, 2025, at around 2:15 a.m., a young family’s life was forever changed. At the intersection of Padre Boulevard and Morningside Street on South Padre Island, Kaylinn Churchill, a devoted mother of two little girls from Fort Worth, was killed when a drunk driver struck the golf cart she was riding. What should have been a fun night with friends turned into a nightmare that altered their lives forever.

Kaylinn’s family, while still grieving her loss, is determined to ensure her name is remembered—not only to honor her life, but to raise awareness that her death was preventable. “This tragedy was preventable; we are determined to do our part in preventing other families from enduring the same preventable tragedy on SPI,” her sister shared in a message to local reporters.

Golf carts have surged in popularity on South Padre Island, offering visitors and residents an easy way to get around. But with their open design, lack of airbags, and minimal protection, carts leave riders highly vulnerable on busy roads like Padre Boulevard. Drivers—especially those unfamiliar with local traffic laws—face serious risks when alcohol-impaired or distracted motorists are nearby.

South Padre Island requires golf carts to be licensed and equipped with headlights, seatbelts, reflectors, and mirrors. The city’s licensing process also requires proof of insurance or bond, yet some rental companies don’t appear to offer optional renter’s insurance—fueling concerns that golf carts may operate without adequate coverage.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charges have fluctuated in recent years:

• 2021 – 78 charges
• 2022 – 96 charges
• 2023 – 130 charges
• 2024 – 96 charges

(Source: Texas Department of Public Safety)

Even with the recent decline in DWI charges, impaired driving remains a serious problem. Golf cart drivers must stay alert and aware while sharing the road with larger vehicles that have traditional passenger safety systems. While the SPI Records Division maintains accident reports, the city does not appear to publish a yearly total of golf cart crashes, leaving the public without a clear picture of the risks.

Kaylinn’s family says only one SPI ambulance and one fire engine were initially dispatched to the crash, and that the response time was longer than the city’s mention of their four-minute average on their website. Additional ambulances reportedly came from off the island.

While South Padre Island does state on their website that they have four advanced ambulances, they also rely on mutual-aid agreements with Port Isabel. Port Isabel currently has two ambulances fully stocked but officials at this time have not publicly identified which units responded or how quickly resources were mobilized.

Kaylinn’s death has sparked urgent calls for action. Community members and safety advocates are pressing local leaders to:

• Strengthen DWI enforcement, especially along Padre Boulevard.
• Review golf cart regulations, including lighting, seatbelt requirements, and operating hours.
• Expand public awareness campaigns reminding visitors that driving—even on vacation—is a serious responsibility.
• Invest in safer infrastructure, such as golf cart lanes, stricter rental rules, and better emergency medical resources like a helicopter for faster transportation.

Honoring Kaylinn’s Legacy

Kaylinn’s family wants her daughters to grow up knowing their mother’s story helped protect others. They hope to shine a light on the dangers of drunk driving and the risks of golf cart travel so that more precautions will be taken in the future.

Kaylinn’s name should be remembered—not just as another victim of drunk driving, but as a reminder that every decision behind the wheel matters.

Safety Tips for Golf Cart Drivers on SPI

• Buckle up: Use seatbelts if your cart is equipped.
• Secure children: Keep kids seated—no laps, standing, or hanging out.
• Do not overload: Follow passenger limits.
• Obey traffic laws: Golf carts must follow the same rules as cars.
• Stay visible: Use lights and reflectors, and wear bright or reflective clothing at night.
• Avoid high-traffic lanes: Use side streets or cart routes when possible.
• Drive defensively: Always assume larger vehicles may not see you.
• Never drink and drive: DWI laws apply to golf carts too.